AN elderly horse was viciously attacked as she innocently grazed in her field - and left with a horrifying ten-inch wound in her abdomen.

Hannah, a 30-year-old Dales cross cob, was found in her field on the edge of the North York Moors, with the long cut along her udder in the groin area.

And shocked police are now appealing for help in tracking down whoever was responsible.

The injured animal was found in her field at Gillamoor, near Kirkbymoorside, last Sunday afternoon and it is believed the attack took place sometime since Saturday afternoon.

A vet who was called to the scene to treat Hannah said the wound must have been deliberately inflicted and was not simply a field wound.

PC Linda Coles of Malton police said: "It is hard to imagine why anyone would want to hurt an animal in this way.

“Thankfully, Hannah is now recovering from her ordeal, however, a few inches either way and her injury could have been fatal.”

She added: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity over the past few days in the area of Hannah's field, which is on Main Street next to Gillamoor playing fields, and to anyone who may have any other information that could help our investigation.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for PC Linda Coles or email linda.coles@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

To remain anonymous, pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.