POLICE are investigating the abuse of a donkey in an Oxfordshire village.

The animal, named Masie, was found unwell by her owner in Watchfield village, near Shrivenham, on Saturday morning (June 15).

Her injuries were described on the Shrivenham and Watchfield Community Group on Facebook, which stated there was ‘a lot of blood’.

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The post also stated there was a ‘man's belt’ found in the field and, after a vet assessment, it was suspected the animal had been ‘sexually assaulted’.

Police have confirmed they are now investigating the incident but no arrests have yet been made.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Between 5pm on Friday (June 14) and 8am on Saturday (June 15), the abuse of an animal took place on High Street, Watchfield.

“Officers are conducting an investigation.

“If anyone was in the area from Friday afternoon to Saturday morning and may have any information that can help our investigation please call 101 quoting the reference 43240280367.”

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Owners of the field where the donkey resides has confirmed that CCTV has since been installed.

The post read: “Masie has been in the village for eight years and nothing like this has ever happened before and we are very shocked, disgusted and extremely disturbed that this has happened.

“If anyone saw anyone acting suspiciously around Masie’s field [on Friday night], please let us know.”