Sick yobs pushed pins and screws into apples and then scattered them across a paddock full of horses.

Horrified horse owners face a heartbreaking 48-hour wait to see if their animals will survive the attack after a number ate the spiked fruit.

Police are investigating after more than 15 of the apples were discovered in the field next to Rottingdean Riding Stables, in Chailey Avenue, Rottingdean.

Dressmaker pins and two-inch screws and nails had been meticulously pushed into the apples, which were small enough for the horses to eat whole.

Sarah Williams, owner of five of the nine horses kept there, described the attack as “sick”.

The horses’ owners fear the sharp points could cause internal injuries. They say even if they operated on them, they may not survive.

Sussex Police is carrying out house to house enquiries around the field off Whiteways Lane.

The RSPCA has called for people to contact police to help them catch the “spiteful culprits”.

Read the full story in today's Argus.