A horse was today put down after a savage knife attack at a village farm near Wolverhampton.

The 19-year-old horse called Maggie, which belonged to local woman Davina Bowyer, was set upon with some sort of blade at Essington Hall Farm.

Mrs Bowyer, aged 47, was too distraught to speak today but her partner Mick Asbury, 57, described the injuries as “horrific”.He said: “There was a wound to her back leg, the achilles was severed, her front leg was totally smashed above the knee and there were cuts all over her.”

He said Maggie was a sweet natured horse who would not hurt a fly. Mr Asbury’s brother-in-law spotted the horse when he was out walking this morning. It is believed the attack happened between around 10.30pm last night and 7am today.

Mr Asbury, who lives in Essington, said a gang of youths had been heard near the site and beer bottles were found there this morning.

Will Simkin, whose grandparents own the farm, said: “The horse was found this morning with bad lacerations and was bleeding quite heavily. It had one of its legs broken and the vet had to put it down.”

Mr Simkin said there had been incidents of youths hanging around the farm, drinking late at night.

Parish councillor David Clifft warned other animal owners to be vigilant. He said: “I am distraught and bewildered as to why someone would do this. It is absolutely diabolical.”

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