Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for witnesses after an incident in Foxcote, near Radstock, where a horse was shot.

A nail gun was fired at the horse’s head. The incident happened in a field between Green Street and Single Hill between 4.30 p.m. on Saturday, December 28th and 2.30 p.m. the following day.

A vet was called to treat the animal and removed a 50mm nail.

The horse has suffered scarring but is recovering.

PCSO Mike Storey, from the neighbourhood team, said: “This was a nasty attack on an animal, with no apparent motive.

“Thankfully incidents of this nature are rare, but we would urge horse owners in the area to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 101 and quote reference 5220004702 or contact police via their website.