POLICE have quashed fears that a dead horse discovered in Four Marks village could mark the return of the Hampshire’s “horse ripper”.

While initially alarmed when the horse appeared to have injuries consistent with a malicious attack, officers investigating the unexpected death of the pony have now confirmed the animal died from natural causes.

They were called to a field in Willis Lane at 2.10pm last Thursday after the body of a dead horse was discovered by a member of the public.

The state of the animal rang alarm bells within the equestrian community, reigniting memories of 1993 when Hampshire Constabulary launched Operation Mountbatten after a horse of that name was found mutilated in a field in Four Marks, triggering the onset of a spate of similar incidents across the county.

No-one has ever been prosecuted for this attack despite more than 20 arrests.

While there had been talk of a copycat killing, when the body of the pony found last Thursday appeared to have injuries “consistent” with a similar attack, a forensic examination by a veterinary surgeon has left police satisfied that there is no suspicious activity linked to this incident.

In a statement, a Hampshire Police spokesman said: “Other injuries which may have indicated that the pony had been attacked are thought to have been caused by other animals after the pony had died.”

And he added: “We would like to thank animal owners in Four Marks for their help and vigilance following this incident.”