Hampshire police have revealed that two children have been kicked by ponies this summer in the New Forest.

In a social media post, officers issued advice to keep Forest visitors safe from both crime and animals.

The post first warned families to keep their valuables safe, noting that patrols have recently reminded people across the Forest to never leave anything valuable unattended.

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A spokesperson for Hampshire police said: "Never leave anything valuable in your vehicle when you leave it unattended – thieves will break in if they can see  something worth stealing.

"And please don’t hide anything in the boot because you never know who is watching.

"Always use a Grade A lock when leaving your bicycle unattended and if possible keep it inside or take a wheel or two off so that it is harder for thieves to steal it.

"We have had bikes stolen even when they have been locked to caravans and camper vans."

Officers also reminded visitors not to light any fires, use disposable BBQs or touch the ponies anywhere in the New Forest.