POLICE are investigating after a clash between fox hunters and saboteurs in which a man was hit with a riding crop 17 times.

Saboteurs from Brighton challenged fox hunters in Herstmonceux on Saturday.

The saboteurs filmed video footage which appeared to show one huntswoman repeatedly hitting a saboteur with a riding crop, after he appears to grab a horse’s reins as it rears towards him.

The female rider is heard shouting “get off my horse, get off my horse” as she repeatedly whips the man.

A spokesperson for the South East Sabs group said: “It was assault. She assaulted the sabs, using her horse as a weapon and then beat the sab 17 times with her whip.

“We are hoping that this assault was so unprovoked and overt that she will be prosecuted.”

The Brighton saboteur who called 999 during the incident, added: “This was a brutal attack.

“The man who was hit luckily wasn’t injured too badly.

“He has a nasty welt on his arm but his cap protected his head.

“When the police arrived they interviewed the huntswoman before speaking to us about the allegation against them, so they should have her her details.

“She claimed we charged at them, which you can see from the video isn’t true.”

Brighton Hunt Saboteurs said they attended the meeting to make sure no illegal hunting took place.

A spokeswoman for the East Sussex and Romney Marsh Hunt said they “do not condone any form of violence even when faced with extreme provocation, personal harassment and other offences.

“The hunt acts lawfully within the confines of the Hunting Act 2004 and takes every measure to ensure the law is adhered to.”?

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: “A third party report of an assault has been made after a man was allegedly struck with a riding crop by a horse rider in Herstmonceux on Saturday.

“The victim was reported to have received a bruise and bump to the head, but did not require medical treatment.

“Police have now identified the alleged victim and an investigation is under way.”

The spokeswoman added: “Police are aware of a video reportedly showing the incident being available on social media.”