A pack of dogs has mauled a deer in St Austell.

Police are searching for the dog owner - who was with two children during the attack.

The deer was so badly injured that police firearms officers had to euthanise it.

The distressing incident took place at around 6.15pm on Wednesday, March 17 along Blackpool trail at Horlick Hill, Langest in St Austell.

The deer was attacked by at least three dogs: a Jack Russell, white in colour with light brown spots, furry and heavy set, and two large lurcher-type dogs, both heavy build, one brown with white spots and one grey with white spots.

The owner is described as a bald man in his 30s or 40s, 5’9” – 6’ in height, of muscular build.

He was wearing a thick dark blue jacket, jeans and light brown builder boots.

He had two children, a boy and a girl, with him.

Anyone with any information which could assist police enquiries is asked to contact police on 101 or via email at 101@dc.police.uk quoting crime reference, CR/020844/21.