Man arrested for punching police horse and officer in Weston after England defeat

Police horse Quantock was attacked in Weston last night. Archant

A man has been arrested after a police officer and horse were attacked in Weston-super-Mare last night (Wednesday).

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Our beautiful Boys Jubilee & Quantock on their way home from @ASPWSM after dealing with disorder at the end of #England game. Male arrested for assault PC. Also arrested criminal damage for punching Quantock #NeverAcceptable to assault officers or animals! #QuantockisnotHurt pic.twitter.com/xPd8IYiFsC — ASPoliceHorses (@ASPoliceHorses) July 11, 2018

The town centre was packed with fans watching England crash out of the World Cup, and mounted police were on hand to tackle any trouble after the final whistle.

A police horse, named Quantock, and a constable were attacked as the crowds began to disperse, and a 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an officer and causing criminal damage for punching the horse three times.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s police horses unit’s Twitter account said: “A male was arrested for assault a police officer.

“He was also for causing arrested criminal damage for punching our horse Quantock. It is never acceptable to assault officers or animals.”

Quantock & Jubilee are out in the paddock this morning, chilling and doing what they love the most.. Eating. Quantock is well and we hope our colleagues who were assaulted last night are ok this morning too. ‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/vdexMQKtRS — ASPoliceHorses (@ASPoliceHorses) July 12, 2018

In total, 13 incidents of disorder relating to the football were reported to police overnight.

Chief Inspector John Holt said: “This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable and we will ensure all those involved in this disorder will be dealt with robustly.

“In particular, I would like to condemn in the strongest terms the individual who punched a police horse, which was there to ensure the safety of those enjoying the match.

“While England’s heroes won the pride and respect of everyone in Russia, these individuals have let themselves down and should be ashamed to call themselves fans.”