POLICE are hunting the driver of a car that crashed into a pony in the New Forest, killing the animal.

The animal was hit by a car on Lyndhurst Road in Beaulieu before 10pm on July 5.

Officers were called to the Pig Bush car park near the road at 10.10pm after a motorist hit the animal before driving off.

The pony was left in the middle of the road and died as a result of the crash.

Witnesses say the vehicle may have been a black Mercedes, possibly a C or E class model.

One of its wing mirrors was knocked off as a result of the collision and was left at the scene.

PC Graham Scott said: “We are appealing for the driver to come forward and let us know what happened so we can pass this information on to the owner of the pony.

“Not only is it a legal requirement to stop and tell police if you hit an animal in a collision, but reporting it can also prevent any further suffering to the animal if it is left seriously injured.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Scott on 101, quoting reference 44160250586.