A FOAL has died after sustaining "horrific" injuries in a hit and run in the New Forest.

At 10.10am on Saturday, a foal was found injured after a hit and run in the area of Ipley Crossroads. 

Due to a "horrific wound" sustained in the incident, New Forest Roads Awareness claimed that the animal had to be put down.

So far no driver has come forward in relation to the incident and now a search has been launched for witnesses.

There is currently a reward of up to £5,000 for information which leads to a successful conviction.

Daily Echo: Foal dies after hit and run near Ipley Crossroads, New Forest. Photo from: The New Forest National Park Authority/Facebook.Foal dies after hit and run near Ipley Crossroads, New Forest. Photo from: The New Forest National Park Authority/Facebook.

Anyone with dash cam video, or who saw the hit and run happen are being asked to come forward.

A spokesperson for the New Forest National Park Authority said: "If you hit a New Forest animal, you must report the incident, even if the animal runs off. It may be in distress, have serious injuries that require immediate veterinary attention or have fatal injuries that would necessitate the animal being put to sleep.

"Some animals run away in fear and panic, even on broken limbs which can make you believe that it is unhurt. As a result the animal can suffer unnecessarily.

"If a collision with a Forest animal occurs (for whatever reason) drivers are required to report it to the authorities as soon as practicably possible, and certainly within 24 hours.

"Drivers must not leave the scene of an accident (unless it is to call for help), particularly if the animal is still on the highway as it may cause a further accident."

Anyone with information regarding this incident or others in the New Forest are asked to ring the Verderers’ Office on 023 8028 2052, or Hampshire Police on 101.