Hit-and-run driver sought after injured foal put down following collision on the B3078 Roger Penny Way at Godshill

POLICE shared a hard-hitting picture of a foal which had to be put down after a hit-and-run at a New Forest animal accident blackspot route.

The young grey filly was struck on the B3078 Roger Penny Way, between the Deadmans Hill and Ashley Walk car parks, at Godshill last Thursday night.

Responding to a call-out at 10.20pm, agister Michael Maton had to put down the animal due to its injuries.

People are being urged to come forward to help police find the driver involved.

Posting online, local officers said: “It is a criminal offence to fail to report these incidents which impact greatly on our commoning community and also the mare of the foal which was clearly distressed.”

Only the previous day, a police speed camera van stationed on the road caught 18 drivers flouting the 40mph limit in two hours.

The highest speed was 51mph.

The police post continued: “We all need to be mindful that there is a 40mph speed limit on New Forest roads to protect animals, cyclists and other motorists.

“Colliding with large animals can result in serious injury, so slow down and think of the hazards ahead on rural roads.”

Officers vowed that the Fordingbridge team would continue to crack down on speeders on Roger Penny Way and other routes as a priority.

Those with information about the collision should contact the force online at hampshire.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting 44240249504.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.