POLICE are hunting the killers of a Shetland pony found on wasteland in Somerset.

The horse was found dead on land near Yeovil on Saturday morning, having been struck on the head with a blunt weapon.

Its rear legs were tied together with a rope.

"We are appealing for anyone who was in the area between midnight and mid-morning on Saturday who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously," an Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said.

"A passing car driver, early morning dog walker, someone driving into work or finishing a late night shift may have information to help our inquiries.

"We would also be interested in hearing from members of the public who saw anyone in the area acting suspiciously over the few days or nights before the incident took place."

Dean Reddin, who owned the horse called Paddy and kept him in a nearby field, said he was disgusted by the attack on his pet.

He said: “I just can’t understand why anyone would want to do something so horrific to a defenceless animal.

“Paddy was a rescue horse and when I first got him he was really thin so I fed him up and he would happily graze in a field with my partner’s horse Bailey. He was about 18 months old and was so content.

“Someone must have come and untethered him and led him away to a quiet place where they carried out this terrible attack. I just hope the sick person who did this is found.

“I have now moved Bailey away from the area as I fear for his safety.”

RSPCA inspector John Pollock, who is investigating, said: “Someone has deliberately taken this horse from the field where it was kept and walked him down to this secluded location where this horrific and cowardly attack took place.

“It appears he has been hit to the head - possibly a number of times - with the metal stake which was used to tether him.

“The owner was obviously distraught and we are now working  with Avon and Somerset  Police to find who is responsible.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.