An abandoned horse was found with a rope tied so tightly around his leg it had cut through to the bone.

The RSPCA tonight appealed for information about the horse, whose injury was thought to have been at least three days old and was infested with hundreds of maggots.

Society investigators said the two-year-old was tied to a tree in a field, near Wheatley, so closely that he had been unable to reach grass to graze.

The bay-coloured male was found at about 3pm on July 3, near junction 8A of the M40, looking thin and dehydrated.

RSPCA inspectors Doug Davidson and Will Rippon, working with World Horse Welfare field officer Julia Sly, said the horse had been in the field for about two weeks.

Thames Valley Police took the horse to a local vet.

Ms Sly, of World Horse Welfare, added: "Tethering always carries a risk of injury but the manner in which this horse was tethered and the lack of care afforded to him made injury and suffering inevitable.

"It was only by chance that the person who called us found this poor horse and, if he had not been discovered, he would have suffered even more pain and distress."

Mr Davidson said: "The RSPCA would like to thank World Horse Welfare, the police and veterinary surgeon for their invaluable assistance."

Those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to animals could face a maximum six months in prison and/or a £20,000 fine.

Anyone with information can call the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234999.