A REWARD of up to £5,000 is being offered after a driver left the scene of an animal accident in the New Forest.

A New Forest pony died after being hit by a silver/grey camper van at Pound Lane, Burley, at 2.30pm on February 26.

The female driver spoke to a witness before driving off without leaving their details.

Posting on social media New Forest Roads Awareness said the injured pony "staggered off" but died a short distance away.

The group added: "She has not, as far as we are aware, reported the incident to police."

Members urged anyone with information about a damaged camper van to contact the police or the New Forest Verderers.

The Verderers offer a reward of up to £5,000 for information leading to the conviction of a hit-and-run driver.

A Verderers' spokesperson confirmed that the Burley collision had been logged as a hit-and-run.