Horse owner devastated by slashing attack in Liverton stable

A horse owner was devastated to come back from holiday and discover that his beloved prize animal had been attacked with a knife.

Richard Williams, 41, wants to alert others that an attacker is on the loose around South Devon, after his show horse Harvey was slashed three times with a sharp object, thought to be a knife.

It happened on Saturday night, when the grey Hanoverian was in stables at Liverton, near Newton Abbot.

"What happened was absolutely horrendous," said Mr Williams, a hair salon owner and freelance riding trainer.

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"I have brought him up since he was a minute old, and he's like my child. He's my pride and joy. He's an amazing horse who's won everything he's ever been entered into.

"I'm desperately upset."

He said the three slashes drew lots of blood, but did not require stitches. The wounds were cleaned and dressed, and the horse is receiving ongoing attention from a vet.

"Harvey was very distressed on Sunday morning, but he's such a good-natured animal that he soon gained confidence in the people who were looking after him while I was away," said Mr Williams, who believes Harvey's show days may be over because of the scarring.

Police are investigating the attack and anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference JA 12 742.