A HORSE suffered serious burns after arsonists set fire to a stable in Little Lever.

The animal was inside the stable when it was set alight in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The alarm was raised by passers-by at 6am. The horse's frantic owners were called and put out the flames before they called the police.

A vet was called to treat the horse which was extremely distressed and in pain.

A police spokesman said: "It appears the stable was set alight without any thought to the horse's safety."

The fire service was not called to deal with the incident.

A man has been arrested and was helping police with their inquiries today.

Any witnesses or anyone who can help police with their inquiries is asked to contact Crimestoppers.

The free phone number is 0800 555 111.