INTERNATIONAL support has flooded in for a man whose three horses were killed in an arson attack.

Members of the horse community have been sickened by one of the worst acts of animal cruelty in the North-East.

Scores of messages and sympathetic comments have been posted on an internet forum by fellow animal lovers, who have been appalled by the brutal attack at the stables in Lingdale, near Skelton, east Cleveland.

Grandfather Michael Richardson is still coming to terms with the loss of his three beloved horses, but his grief has been marred by anger and the 61-year-old has vowed to take a stand against those responsible.

The attack took place on Sunday, May 6, when arsonists went into the stable, just behind Lingdale High Street, and set stable rugs on fire.

Mr Richardson could hear the horses "screaming" as he struggled to rescue them - only to be beaten back by the flames.

All three horses - Whiskey Mac, Little Fella and Beth - died.

Police said the motive was a mystery, but Mr Richardson believed it was revenge.

He said during the past five years, poachers and lampers had visited his field at night.

He said he had complained to police and had been threatened with a gun by a young poacher, but it had not deterred him.

The Northern Echo's report of the fire triggered a public outcry.

Messages of support from as far afield as the US have been posted on the forum.

Horse owner Nicola Rhodes, 33, who runs a farm in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, brought Mr Richardson's story to the attention of the public through the Horse Directory Forum website.

Ms Rhodes, who owns three horses, said everyone had been sickened by the attack.

She said: "As horse and animal lovers, many of whom have lost much-loved horses ourselves, and one of us in very similar circumstances, although many years ago, we fully understand what Mr Richardson is going through and wish to offer our deepest sympathies."

One well-wisher wrote: "I can't imagine anything worse than not being able to get in to help them and having to watch and listen to it. That poor man and his family."

Another wrote: "How terrible. That kind of thing really makes my blood boil. I can't understand how anyone could do this. Poor horses, poor man."

Mr Richardson said: "It has really been overwhelming the amount of cards and support we have received. I thank everyone."