Horse shot in the head in 'brutal and unprecedented' attack in the Cotswolds

The animal had to be put down

The four-year-old mare was shot while in the pasture at North Barn Farm in Cowley (Getty)

Police have appealed for information after a horse was shot in the head.

They have asked witnesses in the Cotswolds to come forward following the attack that occurred overnight on Thursday.

The four-year-old mare was shot while in the pasture at North Barn Farm in Cowley, near Cheltenham, in what Gloucestershire Constabulary said was a "brutal and unprecedented" attack.

The horse later had to be put down as a result of its injuries.

PC Jon Warren said: "This was a cowardly and targeted attack on an animal who suffered incredibly as a result of its injuries. The horse was later put down due to its suffering.

"It happened in the southern area of the farm, directly next to the single track road that leads from the main A435 road towards the village of Cockleford.

"We're appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the offender or offenders or have any information about the incident. Please call 101 quoting incident 60 of 1 April."