A severely malnourished horse was found wandering by the roadside earlier this month.

The unaccompanied animal was seized in Cotton Lane, Dartford, at around 2pm on Thursday, October 11, by the Rural Liaison Team (RLT).

The owner is unknown and is still being searched for.

Police spokesman, James Walker, said: "Officers attended the scene to ensure the safety of motorists and the animal was safely located.

"Due to concerns the officers had for the animal’s welfare, it was seized and referred to an appropriate authority for treatment."

A welfare officer from Kent Horse Rescue spoke of her disappointment at the human race after a similar incident with Shetlandnd pony earlier this year.

Anyone with information on the owner is asked to call police on 101 and quote reference CAD 11:0843 NL.