A pony has died in what police say saying is a deliberate attack.

Preston Police were called to land off Darkinson Lane, Lea, to reports of two Shetland ponies sustaining injuries.

One of the ponies has now died as a result of stab wounds to the neck and hind areas.

The incident took place between the early hours of Sunday (20 August) and 12noon.

A police spokesman said: “This appears to be a deliberate attack which has caused great distress, not only to the owner, but the animals themselves.

“Both ponies sustained wounds consistent with being slashed or stabbed around the neck and hind areas. We are requesting equine owners to be vigilant and report my suspicious activity to us.”

Anyone with information can email PC Magee at 8997@lancashire.pnn.police.uk and quote log reference LC-20170820-0693 or call 101.