Attackers slash horses' faces before setting their stable alight

Warning: This article contains a photo of one horse's facial injuries which readers may find distressing.

Two horses were "brutally" slashed across the face with a knife by an attacker who then set fire to their stables - leaving the animals trapped inside.

The chestnut horses were left to die at the stables in Bristol yesterday after the perpetrators trapped them inside before setting fire to the walls and doors.

They only survived because a melted water pipe helped to dampen the flames before one of their owners raised the alarm when they arrived to feed them.

They suffered severe smoke inhalation, burns to their bodies and knife wounds to their faces - although both are now expected to make a recovery.

One of the horse's owners, Debbie Nash, said she was devastated when she saw the state of her animal's face.

Police have confirmed that officers are looking into the attack.

If anyone has any information they should call 101 and ask to speak to Bristol investigations quoting reference number 521709049.

A reward of £500 is being offered for information.