British police are hunting for the attacker who shot an arrow through the eye of a horse in what has been described as a "senseless, cruel crime."

The injured white and brown cob-type yearling colt was found with the arrow still in the wound in a field off Bedmond Road in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, at around 7.00pm on Saturday.

The horse, called Widget, is currently being treated for its injury at the Royal Veterinary College. It is believed it will survive its injury.

Detective Sergeant Dan Stoddart, of Hertfordshire Police, said: "This appears to be senseless, cruel crime and we are doing all we can to find the person responsible."

"If you saw anyone acting suspiciously around the field ... we would like to hear from you as soon as possible."

RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Mel Fisher said: "It seems this poor boy has had a very lucky escape, though the next 48 hours will be crucial."

"The long bow bolt has gone through his eye socket and into his nasal cavity, miraculously without hitting anything vital."

"It's hoped he won't lose his eye but it's too early to know for sure. This was a wicked attack on a friendly and sociable little chap."

Widget's owner Hannah Dorset said: "I am so proud of my lovely little horse. He is so calm and has taken this awful incident in his stride."