A pony's eye was injured in an attack by two children - one aged just nine - as it grazed in a field.

Shocked police were unable to take action against him as he is under ten, the age of criminal responsibility.

The injured pony was grazing in a field off Old Salts Farm Road, Lancing, with two others when the attack happened on Friday night. Details have just been released by police.

The pony was poked in the eye, cutting it but not damaging its sight. The youngsters also chased the pony and two other horses and smashed seven water butts.

Police were called by the owner, who managed to detain the nine-year-old. He told her the identity of his accomplice who turned out to be 11.

Inspector Paul Amoo, of Adur sector police, said: "The owner contacted the older boy's parents and his father offered her £150 compensation.

"She said he was horrified when he found out what he had been doing and said he would make sure the money came out of his son's pocket money.

"The nine-year-old's parents did not want to know. These young boys were out alone at 8.30pm and I am shocked at their behaviour.

"Parents of children this young should be aware of where their children are and what they are getting up to.

"The only good thing is that the father of the older boy offered to pay the owner compensation as soon as he found out."