A horse has been found dead after it had its throat slashed in its field in Cornwall and was left to bleed to death.

The horse is reported to have died sometime between 5.45pm and 8pm on March 5 in its field at Menagwins farm at the top of Gorran.

In a post on Facebook Alex Coombs, who lives in Bath, said the horse was throat was cut deeply across the neck causing it to bleed to death.

He said a vet attended the scene and reported the crime to the police and a special unit of the RSPCA.

They have confirmed this to be a deliberate crime,” he said in the post. “Please, if you know anything about this crime or saw anything suspicious that evening come forward with a statement to the police.

Responding to the post Truro and Falmouth MP Cherilyn Mackrory said: “This is both shocking and horrendous. If anyone has any information that might help please do contact the police.”

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A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police told the Packet: “Police were notified following reports a horse had been found deceased on land near Gorran Haven in what is believed to be a deliberate act.

“It appears the horse died sometime between 5.38pm when it was last checked on, and 8pm on Tuesday, March 5.

“Police are investigating the incident and are asking anybody who witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area or who may have relevant CCTV to call 101 or visit our website quoting crime reference 50240054133.”

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “This is a sickening attack against a defenceless animal and we would also urge anyone with information about what happened to share this to help the investigation.”

There have been a number of horse mutilations in various parts of Cornwall over the past few years as well as across the country with either horses having their throats slashed or their bodies mutilated.