Police are hunting the owner of a rottweiler who chased a woman and pony through the countryside for three miles.

Police in the Scottish Borders are appealing for witnesses after the incident in the Scottish Borders. The woman was on her pony in the Gattonside area near to the River Tweed around 6:30 pm on Thursday.

Moments later a dog, thought to be a rottweiler, broke away from its owner and began to chase.

Fearing for the welfare of her pony the women galloped in the direction of Gattonside mains farm in an effort to lose the dog.

However, the animal continued to chase for around three miles before eventually being lost to sight. Police are carrying out inquiries into the matter and are appealing for information in an effort to trace the dog's owner.

Inspector John Scott, at Kelso police station, said: "This was a frightening experience for someone to go through and dog owners must be aware of their responsibilities when taking their pets into rural areas.

"The chase began in a spot particularly popular with walkers as well as dog owners and I would be interested to speak with anyone who was in the area around this time.

"I also urge the owner of this dog to contact police as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.