Dutch police are investigating a spate of violent attacks on horses, many of which they suspect are the work of the same person.

Over 60 horses have been attacked over the past year. In the latest incident, two mares were attacked on Wednesday night in fields near Bunschoten in Utrecht province.

Police have declined to say what was done to the horses but say there are strong similarities between the dozens of incidents recorded so far.

Deep cuts

Local website Zoetermeernieuws.nl says at least 40 of the horses have received deep cuts around their genitals. In most cases, the horses were mares and in one case a pregnant mare died.

In Groningen several horses were attacked with a sharp implement last week but police do not think those three cases are connected to the Utrecht incidents because of the distance, Nos television says.

Horse owners and stable operators are being warned to keep a look out for suspicious situations at night.