A "SICK" vandal has horrified Hampshire animal lovers by spraying graffiti on a horse.

Three-year-old Rumour was plastered with paint in an overnight attack.

The culprit has outraged the mother of the horse's 18-year-old owner Olivia Back, police and the RSPCA animal welfare charity.

Jacqui Back, of Botley Road, Sholing, said: "I think anyone who could do such a thing to a helpless animal is sick."

Olivia has had Rumour since the horse was born three years ago. An Arab-cross, Rumour is kept in a field in Botley Road, next to seven other horses in a neighbouring field and a short walk from the Backs' home.

Olivia's grandfather checked all the horses at 6pm last Saturday, and when he returned at 6.30am the following morning he noticed that Rumour had spray-paint across one side of her body.

"He came and told us and we went down there to have a look," said Mrs Back. "We were shocked and angry that anyone could do such a thing to an animal.

"She is such a trusting horse, but I would be surprised if she just stood there and let them do it because horses don't like the sound of spraying

"If she did stand still for it, you don't know what else they might have done to her.

"It is a bit worrying. It could have got in her eyes, which would have been very dangerous for her. I think anyone who could do such a thing to a helpless animal is sick.

"We checked around to see if there was any other graffiti about, because maybe she just got in the way or something, but we could not find anything so she must have been targeted specifically.

"She seems fine now but we are worried what else could happen."

Mrs Back immediately reported the incident to the police.

Det Insp David Collings, equine liaison officer for Hampshire police, said: "This is a very unusual occurrence. It is likely whoever did this did not fully realise the implications of what they were doing. Spraying paint on a horse could potentially cause it serious harm if the paint is absorbed.

"They are also putting themselves in danger, as a horse could easily kick out at whoever is doing this.

"Hampshire Constabulary equine liaison officers would be interested in hearing of any similar incidents, or from any witnesses to this one."

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: "It is horrendous to think someone could do something like this. It could be very distressing for the animal and potentially quite dangerous.

"Somebody may think what they have done is amusing but it is not. Spray paint could be toxic to an animal, and doing this could cause a lot of trauma."

Anyone with information can call the police on 0845 045 4545.