Worksop: Horse left dead and maimed after ‘brutal’ attack.

Police are investigating a “vicious, heartless attack” on a horse which was found dead and mutilated in a field.

Nottinghamshire Police said Alfie, a 16-year-old traditional tricolor cob, was found at a property off Owday Lane, Carlton-in-Lindrick, Worksop, at around 10.30am BST on Thursday.

Alfie was last seen safe and well on Wednesday at around 7pm when his owner rode and bathed him before taking him out into a field, officers said.

Insp. Clive Collings said it was the “epitome of a senseless and violent attack” and warned horse owners to be vigilant.

The force said officers checked CCTV footage, looked at forensic opportunities and carried out house-to-house enquiries.

Mr Collings, Nottinghamshire Police’s head of rural and wildlife crime, said: “Although it is hard to believe, all the evidence shows that this was a vicious and heartless attack on a defenseless animal.

“I would urge anyone with information about what happened to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

“Alfie’s owner has been left distraught by his cruel death and wants justice for him.”

He said they asked people in the area if they had any CCTV or doorbell footage that could help or if they remembered seeing any suspicious activity between 7pm on Wednesday and 10.30am on Thursday.

“We are also warning horse owners in the area to be very vigilant given the horrific nature of this offence,” he added.