A horse in County Durham was killed after sustaining serious injuries to its neck in "unknown circumstances" police have said. 

The horse, at Fairview, Castleside, in Consett, was fatally injured yesterday (Wednesday, June 5), in the early afternoon. 

Now, police are appealing for help tracing anyone who may have seen what happened. 

An "unknown male" is believed to have seen the incident, and has been urged to come forward. 

A spokesperson for Consett Police said: "Police are requesting any witnesses to come forward after a horse has received a fatal injury.

"The incident happened between 12.15 pm and 14.30 pm on June 5 on farmland next to Fairview, Castleside.

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"The horse suffered from injuries to its neck in unknown circumstances, resulting in the horse passing away.

"An unknown male is believed to have witnessed this incident and is urged to come forward with any information.

"Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to call 101, or they can contact PC Maddick from Consett NPT on Fiona.Maddick@durham.police.uk."