A horse had to be put down after it was "savagely attacked" with a broken wine bottle which was left embedded in its neck, police said today.

The 14-hand black and white stallion was grazing on grassland when it was repeatedly stabbed with a large piece of glass.

Cleveland Police and the RSPCA have launched an investigation after the attack yesterday morning on land near the Metz Bridge in Middlesbrough.

The five-year-old horse was destroyed as a result of his injuries, a force spokeswoman said today.

She added: "The police would like to stress the animal was very well cared for and it was in good condition and say the owner was extremely distressed at the incident.

"Police are appealing for witnesses after the horse was savagely attacked."