A 'DRAGGED and beaten' horse is safe, thanks to the power of social media.

Police are appealing for witnesses after reports that the animal was tied to the back of a vehicle, dragged along and then beaten by two men when it fell.

The incident happened last Wednesday at around 7pm in Alexandra Road, Bridport.

Officers put out appeals on social media urging the public to help them locate the horse.

And thanks to a 'phenomenal' response, it has been found.

The horse has now been moved to a safe location and checked over by a vet.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "We would urge anyone in the community to come forward and allow evidence by means of a statement to be taken and allow the RSPCA inspectors and Dorset Police ensure the people responsible for this are held to account.

"I would like to thank all followers who 'shared, liked' and forwarded the article about the horse.

"All the relevant comments and messages we had will be shared with the RSPCA and acted on.

"If anyone has any images of the incident that they may have captured via smartphone please contact us." Residents spoke of their shock to hear of the incident."

Town councillor Sarah Williams said: “I would say an incident like this is very usual.

“I have never heard of anything like this.

“Anybody that's got information, please pass it on to the police.

“Animal cruelty is a horrible crime.”

A spokesman for the RSPCA added: "This was clearly a horrible incident and a horrific way to treat an animal.

"We need to hear from anyone who has any information."

The spokesman added: "I would like to thank all followers who 'shared, liked' and forwarded the article about the horse.

"All the relevant comments and messages we had will be shared with the RSPCA and acted on.

"If anyone has any images of the incident that they may have captured via smart phone please contact us."

Anyone who may have images or video footage of the incident should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting 02:421 or the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.

DORSET residents took to Facebook and the Echo website to express their ‘disgust’ following the incident.

Zoe Hayward posted: “Disgusting, what's wrong with people.”

Simon Evans added: “There can be no excuse for this, I hope people find the courage to come forward and assist, there must be witnesses.

"What is wrong with some people?”

Jessie Gore said: “This is absolutely disgusting.”