Ramblers have reported pigs on the rampage in the New Forest, with one walker ambushed and attacked by a drove that also charged at two young women.

Paul Lipscombe, 64, spoke of his shock after four young animals charged at him. The retired lecturer was bitten on the right knee by one pig, causing a graze. He quickly retreated away from them as they advanced towards him.

As he composed himself and caught his breath afterwards, he witnessed the same group of pigs - each described as big as a medium-sized dog - charge at two young women. The pair had to wade through a brook in order to escape he said.

It is currently the pannage season in the ancient Hampshire forest, when hundreds of pigs are let loose to eat acorns that have fallen from trees as they are poisonous to the New Forest ponies.