PA Anti-capitalist thugs glassed six police horses and rammed sticks into their eyes

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Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe called the rioters at the Million Mask protest “despicable” and said that the violence specifically targeted the helpless animals.



Police horses were treated by vets after they had their legs sliced with broken shards of glass and sticks rammed into their eyes. Highpowered lasers, capable of blinding, were also targeted on the animal’s eyes.

Officers also confirmed that fireworks were used on the animals in an attempt to burn them.



Hundreds of masked protesters rampaged through London on Thursday night when the chaotic annual march turned violent.



Four police officers were left injured in the attacks as well six horses.

PA Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe with one of the traumatised horses

Sir Hogan-Howe said: “My officers have worked very hard in the face of some incredibly challenging and even violent circumstances.



“My officers were well and truly in the front line. Fortunately, the four injured officers are doing OK.



"The most seriously injured was a mounted officer who was thrown from his horse, Embassy, after they had fireworks thrown at them in the Mall.



"The protesters knew it was a possibility these fireworks would frighten the animals, so I think it’s pretty despicable behaviour."

PA PC Claire Rees said her horse, Quixote, who suffered injuries to his front legs, was “very brave"

PC Claire Rees said her horse, Quixote, who suffered injuries to his front legs, had been “very brave” during the terrifying disorder.



She added: “I just think it is a very cowardly thing to do. Horses should never be targeted. It was very intimidating."



The yobs were so determined to hurt the animals they even punched a young student who tried to protect the frightened horses.

TWITTER The yobs were so determined to hurt horses they punched a student who tried to protect the horses

University of Westminster student Daisy Greenaway, who attended the march, was kicked and verbally abused by fellow demonstrators after coming to the aid of a helpless animal.



She said: "When I told people not to hurt horses I was told 'police horses don’t feel' and that 'they’re trained for this stuff'.



"‘I pulled one guy away from the horse who tried to fight me. After this I held away from the crowds but witnessed rioters throwing bins, glass and traffic cones."

REUTERS The yobs lobbed traffic cones as police officers

The Metropolitan police said that investigations into the night's violence are ongoing after fifty people were arrested during the protest.



Three men were arrested before the march even began after being spotted armed with knives, smoke grenades and gas canisters.



The so-called anti-capitalist thugs – some of whom happened to be wearing jackets that cost nearly £500 - also set a police car ablaze and lobbed traffic cones at police guards.

Anarchists from around the world came to the march, including Aztecarna Peatonito, from Mexico.



He said: "We tried for six years to get the press to take us seriously. It is only when we wore the masks that we started getting attention."



Another protester, who gave his name as Shero, said: "As an English Muslim, I feel I am not represented. We live in a corp-ocracy, not a democracy."