LANCASHIRE'S longest serving police horse is being nursed back to health after being attacked in Nelson.

Excalibur, a 19-year-old stallion, was left with a gashed left thigh after two men drove a motorbike at him last Thursday.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said today: "Excalibur is fine at the moment. He's looking a bit sorry for himself, but eating well and we are giving him lots of attention."

The horse has been a member of Lancashire's mounted police division for the past 15 years. He was regular at football matches and on patrols throughout the county. Staff at his stables said Excalibur had never had cause to see a vet before Thursday's attack.

Police are still trying to trace two men responsible for the assault which took place in Wood Street at 6.30pm.

The driver of the motorcycle was described as an Asian male, wearing a black crash helmet, black pin-stripe trousers and a denim jacket.

The passenger was also an Asian male wearing a light coloured T-shirt and light coloured tracksuit bottoms.

Witnesses are also being urged to come forward. Anyone with information should contact Pennine Police on 01282 425001.