A family is "absolutely heartbroken" after their "beautiful" horse had to be put down following a hit-and-run crash today.
It's believed the blue BMW, which collided with Patch on a rural lane, had two young male occupants and sped from the scene of the crash between 11.15am and 11.45am today.
Emily Partridge, whose mother was riding the horse, described the family as "absolutely heartbroken" as Patch later had to be euthanised.
The vehicle collided with the animal "at high speed" in Earl Soham, Suffolk, shattering the horse's back leg.
Writing on social media today, Emily said: "My mum has been involved in a hit and run on Church Lane in Earl Soham between 11.15am - 11.45am.
"It was a blue BMW which will now have a missing driver side door and damage to that side of the car. They hit the back of her horse at high speed smashing into the back of her horse, shattering his back leg.
"This resulted in her beautiful horse Patch having to be put down at the scene. They didn't stop and accelerated at speed away from the accident. We know they turned left at the bottom start of Church Lane onto the A1120 through Earl Soham village.
"They were two young men, the driver had a buzz cut. If anyone sees a damaged car to this description, please let me know. Please can people share. They must be local.
"The police are involved and we are looking at CCTV."
Suffolk Police confirmed the driver did not stop at the scene of the smash, which happened on a rural lane in an area north of Ipswich.
A spokesperson for the force said: "The motorist did not stop and police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any footage or information that could assist the inquiry.
"The incident reference is CAD 158 of today (Saturday)."
