A horse tethered to a fence in Salford was injured after young children were seen throwing stones and wooden planks.
Police were called to Bank Lane, near the disused Britannia pub in Irlams o’th Height, at 8.30pm on Thursday 10 June.
A shocked passer-by reported three boys and a girl throwing bricks and stones at the animal in a nearby field.
Officers were not able to locate the children, who ran off, but found the horse injured and extremely distressed.
The boys were said to be around 12 or 13 years old, and the girl a year younger.
Police passed the case to the RSPCA and an investigation has been launched.
A spokesperson from Greater Manchester Police said: “Just after 8.30pm last night a member of the public reported that bricks and planks of wood were being thrown at a horse that was tied up.
“Officers attended and couldn’t locate the offenders. The incident was reported to the RSPCA who are now handling the case, and making sure the welfare of the horse is a priority.”
