Police are appealing for information after teenagers traumatised and seriously injured horses in Middlesbrough.

Officers received reports of incidents at Eston Equitation Centre where teenagers had attached strings to horses and were spotted riding them without the owners' permission.

It took place during the evening of April 26 and the morning of May 5.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "Very sadly the horses were later found to have been stressed or even seriously injured by being ridden and they needed veterinary treatment.

"Officers have attended and provided forensic, crime prevention and safeguarding advice and the force’s Equine Officer will also highlight these incidents at this month’s regional equine meeting.

"This is where police forces and partner agencies share information and best practice, as well as discussing problem solving approaches to equine-related crime and ASB.

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"In the meantime, we would appeal to parents and carers to check what their children are doing while out of the house and to stress to them that police will identify and deal with anyone causing harm or suffering to animals.

"We would also appeal for anyone with information to contact Cleveland Police on the 101 number quoting ref 076245.

"If you don’t want to speak to police you can pass information anonymously to www.crimestoppers-uk.org or phone them on 0800 555 111."