Hunt for killers continues after sick attack on Bobby the pony

Bobby was found dead in a field off Cleadon Lane in the evening of Thursday, November 3.

He had suffered multiple injuries, including mutilated genitals, which had been caused deliberately.

The RSPCA carried out a post mortem and it's believed Bobby may have died up to 24 hours before he was found.

Extensive inquiries have been carried out to identify those responsible - police have carried out house to house inquiries, made numerous appeals and worked with the local equine community.

Neighbourhood Inspector John Smith said: "Bobby's owner has been left absolutely devastated by his death and we know support has come in from far and wide but that doesn't change the fact whoever is responsible has not yet been caught.

"If anyone has any information that could help we want to hear from them, no matter how small the information could prove to be crucial in our inquiries. At least one person will know what happened and we would ask that person to have a conscience and come forward and speak to us.

"We've been working very closely with the local equine community to offer reassurance to local horse owners and will continue to do all we can to find whoever did this."

Anyone with information can ring Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 1050 031116 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.