Police investigate England flag on white horse

Red fabric was pegged onto the Westbury White Horse

A police investigation has begun after a historic white horse carved into a Wiltshire hillside was temporarily turned into an England flag.

Red fabric was draped over the Westbury White Horse in the shape of the St George's cross on 9 September, and was attached to the 175ft (53m) tall landmark using pegs.

The installation was later removed after being reported to English Heritage, which said the site had been assessed and the pegs had caused "minimal damage".

Following English Heritage's assessment, Wiltshire Police said: "We have received a report regarding minor damage being done to the horse through the use of pegs". The force added it was "in the early stages of our inquiries".

The force originally said it was not investigating the incident.

The red fabric on the landmark appeared after thousands of St George's flags appeared across England in recent months.

The Westbury White Horse is thought to have been originally carved in 878 AD to commemorate King Alfred's victory over the Danes at the Battle of Ethandune.

The landmark is a scheduled monument, which means it is protected by legislation. It is a criminal offence to damage it.

Heavy fines, or even a prison sentence, can follow deliberate damage or removal of items from such sites.