Police appeal after four-month-old foal set on fire

Police are searching for information after a foal was set on fire in Derbyshire.

The animal was seriously injured in the incident, suffering severe burns to his nose, face and front legs.

Police in Pinxton are now appealing for witnesses to the attack, which happened between the evening of Monday 17 August and Wednesday 19 August.

The foal, named Angus, was found by his owners with the burn injuries.

Police believe that flammable liquid was poured on the foal’s face before it was set alight.

“He’s fighting for his life and I’m appealing for help to catch whoever did this to the defenceless animal,” said PCSO Becky Davis of Derbyshire Police.

The foal is around four months old and continues to receive veterinary attention.

Angus was in a field off Alexander Terrace near a water treatment plant, along with two other foals and some horses.

RSPCA Inspector Teresa Potter, who is investigating the incident, added: “It is difficult to know for sure what caused these severe burns, but it is thought likely to be some sort of external cause, probably deliberate.”

“He would have suffered a great deal, but is making a good recovery now after being seen by a vet.

“We are keen to know who has done this.”

During the evening of 23 August the field gate at the property was also damaged and the lock smashed.

Anyone who has any information about either incident should ring 101, quoting incident number 231/24/08/15, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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