Police have appealed for witnesses after a reckless dirt biker allegedly laughed after spooking a pony that threw a six-year-old off its back and onto the road.

Jake Marriner, six, was taken to hospital in a neck brace after being thrown from his horse Molly while riding in Carshalton.

His mum Christine, 29, told the Sutton Guardian she was horrified biker sped directly into the path of a horse and pony.

She said: "The rider was driving on the road towards us so I told [another rider] Katie, who was riding the horse, and Jake to move onto the pavement.

"About 20 yards from Katie the rider stopped and came directly towards her. As he came towards her the horse got spooked and was completely out of control.

"The horse took me off my feet and as I fell to the ground I lost my grip of Jake and his pony Molly.

"At first Jake was able to stay on as the pony followed the horse, but as it turned Jake was thrown off and landed in the road."

Police were called at 5.18pm and paramedics attended and treated the six-year-old for injuries to his head and body and was later taken on a stretcher to hospital in a secure neck brace.

Mrs Marriner added: "I was watching as he fell and screamed. It was heartbreaking to see.

"The rider saw Jake fall and came back in the other direction and went past laughing. I thought 'how can you find that funny?'

"It was absolutely horrific. He is lucky that he didn't suffer from a neck injury after what happened."

If you have any information call Sutton police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.