THE New Forest Verderers and police are appealing for information after two ponies had to be destroyed following hit and run accidents on Thursday (Oct 15).

The first incident was at about 6.30am on the Thorney Hill to Burley road at the railway bridge at Burbush.

A witness out walking his dog saw a pony hit by an estate car with distinctive headlights and reported it to the police.

The pony, a rose grey yearling filly, suffered a broken right front leg and was humanely destroyed by the attending agister.

The second incident occurred at 8.20am between the two railway bridges at Setley on the C10 from the A337 south of Brockenhurst to the Marlpit Oak cross road. Several witnesses saw a dark coloured convertible, believed to be an old style Mercedes, hit a bay pony wearing a reflective collar. The pony suffered a broken leg and was humanely destroyed by the attending agister.

At the time of going to press neither of the above drivers had reported the accidents.

Anyone with any information about either accident is asked to contact the Verderers' office on 02380 282052, or the Police on 08450 454545. The incident reference numbers are 44090448286 (Burbush) and 44090450164 (Setley).

There is a reward of up to £1,000 payable to anyone who provides information that leads to the successful conviction of a driver responsible for failing to report an accident with a commoners' animal. Several payments have been made under the scheme and the rules are available on request from the Verderers' office.