A PONY has been slashed and tortured in an attack that its owner described as "pure evil."

Seven-year-old Shannon Rogerson has been left asking why thugs - possibly armed with a craft knife - carried out a frenzied attack on her "gentle" pony, a grey, arab cross called Popeye.

The pony suffered a puncture wound to the centre of its spine, an 8in slash on its rear and a 3in cut towards its tail.

Shannon's father, Dave Rogerson said: "It is nothing but evil, just pure evil and they get a buzz from it."

The pony was attacked at Claphow Farm, Lingdale, east Cleveland, soon after being led out of the stable block into a field.

Mr Rogerson said all the wounds were clean and deep. The attackers had begun with a puncture wound to the animal's back and, after hitting bone, had pulled the blade out and continued stabbing.

Mr Rogerson, whose wife runs a dog grooming business at the former farm, said: "Popeye is not as traumatised as we thought he might. He is a very gentle horse.

"Since it happened, you can lead him out into the courtyard and he is a little wary. I think only time will tell."

The attack on Popeye comes after three horses, Whiskey Mac, Little Fella and Beth were burnt alive when their stables behind Lingdale High Street were set alight in May.

Their owner, Mike Richardson, arrived at the scene to the sound of horses neighing in fear and struggled to rescue them, but was beaten back by the flames.

Cleveland Police are keeping an open mind on whether the two attacks are linked.

Police say it is clear the injuries to Popeye were caused deliberately and are appealing for information.

Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or has any information about the attack on Popeye, is asked to contact PC Nick Wood at Guisborough police station, on 01642-302626.