A horse has been found strangled to death in a field in Hampshire.
Police are appealing for witnesses after the black and white filly was found lying with a rope around her neck in a field in Windmill Hill, Alton at 6pm on Sunday, 29 June.
It is thought that the horse was strangled when the rope caught on a nearby tree stump.
Officers believe that it was an attempted horse theft that went wrong, as two horses have since gone missing from the same field.
PC Stacy Beale from Hampshire police said: “We believe someone may have placed the rope around the horse’s neck to steal it.
“The rope then caught on a tree stump, causing fatal injuries. The horse would have suffered for some time before she died.
“This area is very popular with families and dog walkers and we would like to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around the field over the weekend.
Police are reminding horse owners to remain vigilant.
Anyone with any information should contact the police on 0845 045 45 45, quoting reference 44080286375.
