POLICE are investigating claims that an impatient driver used his Land Rover to shunt a New Forest pony off the road.

The motorist was travelling through the worst areas in the Forest for animal accidents when he was forced to slow down by a pony that was blocking his path.

Shocked witnesses contacted the police after he allegedly used his vehicle as a bumper car and pushed the pony out of the way.

A photograph taken of the Land Rover was posted on social media and attracted more than 150 comments from concerned members of the public.

Last night Hampshire Police confirmed that they were investigating the incident, which they described as a “collision” between the vehicle and the pony.

One of the witnesses, Woodfalls resident Debbie Cooke, said: “The police have told me they went to the man’s home and gave him a one-chance warning.

“What’s most shocking is that the driver was local – he really should have known better.”

The incident happened between Bramshaw and Fordingbridge. According to official figures, roads in the area have seen almost 20 per cent of all animal accidents in the Forest over the past five years.

Road safety campaigner Gilly Jones said: “The most important thing is that people report this sort of incident to the police.

“Social media can be a very useful tool but it’s not a substitute for reporting things through official channels.

“The police can’t be everywhere so members of the public have a vital role to play in preventing animal accidents in the Forest.”

It comes as the Verderers prepare to launch an annual publicity campaign that aims to keep ponies safe.

In autumn the number of animal accidents tends to rise sharply as the clocks go back and commuters drive home in the dark.

A Verderers’ spokesman said: “Accidents are generally caused by a lack of awareness on the part of drivers, who are often local and think it will never happen to them.”

Every year scores of animals are killed or injured on New Forest roads.

Nigel Matthews, head of recreation management at the National Park Authority, said: “Every animal killed is a great loss to the Forest and to its owner.”

The incident involving the Land Rover is said to occurred at Telegraph Hill at sunset – one of the worst times for animal accidents.

A police spokesman said: “Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle shunt a horse that was standing in the road. The animal is not believed to have been hurt.”