Police are investigating a horrific sledgehammer attack on a pony which has sickened animal lovers.
A 35-year-old Shetland pony living in fields just off Links Road in Blyth was reportedly attacked on Sunday night with the weapon.
The pony, named Hamish, was left with "severe injuries", according to a friend of the owner, who has launched a Go Fund Me page to help pay for the pony's treatment.
Over £2,800 has already been raised for Hamish's vet bills, with horrified animal lovers sending messages of support to his owners.
Nicola Watson, who lives in South Shore, Blyth, close to the fields where Hamish lives, was horrified to hear of the attack.
She has organised a gathering of locals on Blyth Beach this evening, to raise money for vet bills.
Nicola said: "It's just awful, absolutely shocking. The owners have been there forever, you always see them in the fields, they'll chop up food and let the kids feed the pony.
"It's scary, you just don't know what to tell the kids - we've just had to say the pony is poorly, because it's just so terrible.
"Everyone is just so shocked by it - but you do get the community spirit when something like this happens, people are so upset and angry, we just want to come together and try to help out."
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "At about 8.40pm, June 2, police received a report of an injury to an animal on Links Road, Blyth.
"Enquiries are ongoing after it was reported that a horse had been struck with a sledgehammer.
"Anyone with any information is asked to contact police via 101 and quote reference number 958 02/06/19 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
