POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a horse's throat was slashed in Sunderland.

The incident happened between 10am and 6.30pm on Wednesday, January 13, at a field off Saint Lukes Road. The horse suffered serious injuries as a result of the incident.

The horse is a five-year-old cob called Lloyd.

Northumbria Police Neighbourhood Inspector Lisa Laverick said: "We know this incident will cause concern to the local community, in particular those people who own horses and I would like to reassure them we are doing everything we can to identify those responsible so that appropriate action can be taken.

"At the current time we do not know what kind of motive this person has had and what they were trying to achieve by carrying out this act.

"However, it is clearly very concerning behaviour and officers will be working with local horse owners.

"If anyone has any information about the incident I would urge them to get in contact with us."

Any witnesses should contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 609 140116 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.