TWO free-spirited horses gave police the run-around after they discovered how to get over a cattle grid in the New Forest.

Police were called out three times on Saturday after the horses kept getting across the grid in a bid to get to grass on the verge of the A31. Officers were called initially at 8.45pm about one horse at the side of the A31 at Hightown Hill and later about two horses near the Hangersley turning on the eastbound carriageway.

On the second call, firefighters jetted the grid to wash out some of the mud, in a bid to keep the horses penned in.

But police were forced to seal off the cattle grid when called out a third time.

Hants Roads Policing tweeted about the troublesome pair and said: “These two naughty horses kept us busy in New Forest tonight. They have learnt how to walk over cattle grids to access the grass on the verge of the A31.

“Ringwood fire assisted second call out to wash out some of the mud in the grid but the third call resulted in a taped barrier.”

The Agister was involved and four horses were located. Highways were also called to assist.