Second horse dies after stabbing attack in Northumberland

The incident happened between 7pm on Friday, July 8, and 10am on Saturday, July 9, when the animals were viciously attacked while grazing in a field in Haltwhistle.

The two horses received veterinary care and had their wounds treated but one died shortly afterwards and the second horse has now died.

Now a month after the attack, neighbourhood Inspector Kevin Oates is renewing his appeal for information and witnesses.

He said: "We are continuing to investigate this crime, this cowardly and awful attack on two horses. In 24 years of policing I have never experienced anything similar. We have had a good response from the community and have followed up several lines of enquiry from calls received from the public but so far this has not led us to find those responsible.

"We know this senseless crime continues to cause distress to the family and concerns in the Haltwhistle community that someone could carry out an attack of this nature.

"We believe the people responsible will have had large amounts of blood on their clothing and we're asking people to think back to that weekend and to recall if someone they know came home with bloodstained clothes. It may be that at the time they gave an innocent sounding explanation, but if you have any doubts please give us a call.

"It may be that those responsible have also been bragging about what they have done, if you have heard anyone who claims to have been involved, or seen anything on social media again, get in touch.

"If you have any information which could help us find the people who attacked these two gentle horses which have now since died, I appeal to you directly to call police or Crimestoppers and let us know so we can identify those responsible."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101 and quote the reference 481 09/07/16. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously by dialling 0800 555 111.