TWO animals have died after hit-and-run accidents in the New Forest.

A cow was killed outright on the B3055 at Hawkhill, near Brockenhurst, and a pony had to be humanely destroyed after a collision on the B3080 at Turf Hill, near Hale.

The pony, which suffered a broken leg, is thought to have injured at least a day before it was found.

The Verderers, the organisation in charge of Forest stock, offer a £1,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of a hit-and-run driver.

Sue Westwood, clerk to the Verderers, urged drivers involved in animal accidents to alert the authorities immediately – even if they wanted to remain anonymous. She said: “Even an anonymous report is better than nothing and prevents an animal being left to suffer.”

Drivers can ring the Forestry Commission on its 24-hour hotline 023 8028 3141.