POLICE are investigating claims that a member of a West Kent hunt was dragged from his horse and beaten by masked men.

The Countryside Alliance claims 38-year-old Graeme Worsley, one of the Masters of the Old Surrey, Burstow and West Kent Hunt, was pulled from his horse by three people wearing balaclavas on Saturday at West Peckham, near Maidstone.

The association said Mr Worsley suffered injuries to his face, jaw and throat in the attack.

But members of the Hunt Saboteurs Association have denied the claims. Nathan Brown, from the association, said he understood Mr Worsley had been thrown from his horse when it reared up.

Kent Police confirmed that they were investigating the attack and are speaking to a number of people in connection with the allegations.