Football fan charged after punching police horse

A MAN has been charged with three offences relating to an incident in which a police horse was allegedly punched during disturbances following England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia last week.

Trouble flared in Westonsuper-Mare in the aftermath of the defeat, and a 23-year-old man was arrested during the disturbances.

Police widely publicised the alleged attack on the police horse, named Quantock, on social media, and said the horse and its equine colleague Jubilee, were attacked on Regent Street, in Weston, at around 9.50pm on Wednesday. Now, a 23-year-old man, named by police as Scott Spurling, from Weston-superMare, has been charged with three offences: assaulting an officer, assault by beating and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Mr Spurling, from Westonsuper-Mare, is due to appear at North Somerset magistrates court on Wednesday, August 1.

After the incident, police chiefs issued public statements condemning the violence in Weston. Chief Inspector John Holt said: “This type of behaviour is unacceptable and we will ensure all those involved in this disorder will be dealt with robustly. While England’s heroes won the respect of everyone in Russia, these individuals have let themselves down and should be ashamed to call themselves fans.”