The horses' legs were bound and tied

One foal died and six other horses were injured in the attacks in the past few months.

Horse owner Bill Stubley, who keeps his animals in fields near Enderby and Glen Parva, says the horses were tied up and abused.

"The horses are being restrained with ropes and the bonds are cutting into their legs," he said.

"Their legs are left bloody and they are in so much pain and suffering - it is absolutely disgusting."

Mr Stubley says he will have to consider moving his animals or getting rid of them if the attacks continue.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) says the injuries are appalling and are helping police to investigate the attacks, which happened between January and March.

RSPCA spokesman Sophie Wilkinson said: "These attacks leave the horses in distress and we are working with the police to lend whatever help we can to their investigation."