AN ELDERLY horse has been brutally attacked in a field in Ryedale.

Hannah, a 30-year-old Dales cross cob, sustained a cut about 10 inches long in her groin area.

She was found injured in a field in Gillamoor near Kirkbymoorside on Sunday afternoon. The attack is believed to have happened after Saturday afternoon.

The vet who attended said the wound had been inflicted deliberately and was not simply a field wound.

PC Linda Coles of Malton police said: "It is hard to imagine why anyone would want to hurt an animal in this way. Thankfully, Hannah is now recovering from her ordeal, however, a few inches either way and her injury could have been fatal.

"We are appealing to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity over the past few days in the area of Hannah's field, which is on Main Street next to Gillamoor playing fields. And to anyone who may have any other information that could help our investigation."

Can you help?

Anyone with information is asked to phone PC Linda COles on 101, or email linda.coles@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.