Foal killed in hit-and-run accident at Gatewood Hill on the Blackfield to Exbury road

It was so badly injured it had to be destroyed by one of the agisters employed to deal with issues involving the free-roaming animals that graze the Forest.

The driver sped off and failed to alert the authorities following the collision at Gatewood Hill on the Blackfield to Exbury road.

The New Forest Verderers offer a £5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of a motorist involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Members of the New Forest Roads Campaign are publicising the latest incident in the hope the person responsible will be identified.

A spokesman said: "We're so sad to have to ask for help in finding the driver of a vehicle that hit a foal on a straight, quiet piece of road and left it with injuries that proved fatal. For the sake of the very upset owners, please help us find this person."

The incident has sparked outrage on social media.

One person posted: "How heartless. Would they have left a child to die in the road, it's no different. People need to take responsibility for their actions, 'face the music' and do the right thing."

Another social media user added: "What people fail to remember is that animals are not crossing the road, we are crossing the forest."

Garages are being urged to look out for the vehicle that was involved.

One woman posted: "How could this person be so cruel and heartless. It's bad enough they hit the poor foal but to leave it to die in agony is absolutely disgraceful.

"If it was an accident then please come forward. If they were speeding they deserve to be punished severely.

"Either way they need to pay for their crime. All garages and local residents must be vigilant in trying to catch this person. Do whatever you can so the police can prosecute."

The accident happened on May 23 at around 9pm. Anyone with information can contact Hampshire on 101 or the Verderers on 023 8028 2052.