A horse was attacked by a dog and seriously injured while it was being ridden by a young teenager near Barnstaple.

The attack took place in Snapper Woods near Shirwell at around 2pm on Sunday, November 7.

Police were called to reports of the horse being seriously injured after being bitten by a German shepherd-type dog.

The horse was treated by a vet and will continue to receive treatment over the coming weeks.

Police would like to hear from anyone who can help to identify the owner of the dog.

If you witnessed the incident, have any information or have CCTV footage that could help the police with their enquiries, please email 101@dc.police.uk or call 101, quoting crime reference CR/097298/21.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via the charity’s website at crimestoppers-uk.org.