Police are investigating the killing of four animals in the East Midlands.

In the first case, a 10-year-old palomino stallion, Strongbow, was found dead by its owners in its stable in Burton-on-Trent , East Staffordshire.

It is believed it was shot in the head using a captive bolt, causing instant death.

George Long, whose son David owned the horse, said his family was horrified by the attack, which probably occurred on Wednesday night.

Broken bottle

In the second case, a flock of sheep was attacked in Nottinghamshire.

The Nottinghamshire Wildlife trust was called to the site, on Gresham Moor, Wilford, on Wednesday.

A member of the public spotted one of the sheep dead.

A further two sheep were found barely alive - one with electrical twine wrapped around its neck and a broken bottle in its face.

Flock moved

Both subsequently died from the injuries.

The sheep were part of a flock of 12 that had been brought to Nottinghamshire to help restore areas of meadow and heathland.

The site, close to the River Trent, is popular with walkers and the attack is believed to have happened in broad daylight.

The flock has now been moved.