Two men and a boy have been arrested after a horse suffered injuries which led to it being put down by a vet in Nutfield.

The horse was put to sleep after what police described as “a prolonged attack” at Nutfield Marsh on Monday (January 13) at just before 3pm.

Neighbourhood Officer PC Alice Bennett said: "This was a horrific incident where a defenceless animal was subjected to a prolonged attack in a public place during daylight hours.”

PC Bennett said: "Thankfully incidents of this nature are rare in this area, however, Nutfield is a small, close-knit community, and no doubt this offence will have some impact on the residents, but we will do all we can to reassure local people.”

Officers are now working closely with the RSPCA and are conducting a joint investigation.

A Surrey Police spokeswoman said: “Two men in their 30s and a 15-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty. “They have been released on police bail until Thursday, March 13, while the investigation continues.”

Anyone who has information which they feel could help the investigation is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference P14011987.