A teenager has been found guilty of animal cruelty after his pony died from neglect.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested and charged after police officers came to the aid of a neglected bay pony called "Flash" in an area off Weir Road, Wimbledon, in August 2016.

A Merton Police spokesman said: " PCSO's were out on patrol when they encountered a pony tethered tightly to a tree, concealed by bushes. It could not move and rocked slowly in distress.

"The local policing team received a number of complaints from worried residents who had seen the pony tied to a lamppost in the pouring rain, without food or water.

"Whilst carrying out enquiries, the officers continued to visit, bringing apples and carrots to help the starving pony. The pony was tethered to a tree, time and time again and was loosened to give the horse freedom.

"Ironically, they also found out that the pony was named 'Flash' which being so tightly tied to a tree, was never going to live up to his namesake."

Police said they teamed up with the RSPCA in transferring Flash to a place of safety, but after tests and examinations he was put to sleep due to malnutrition and lack of any care.

The teenager, of New Malden, was charged with causing unnecessary suffering to the animal by failure to investigate and the address the causes of its poor bodily condition and weight loss.

He was found guilty in a trial on November 7.

Magistrates released the teenager on unconditional bail pending the preparation of a pre-sentence report. Magistrates said they were keeping all sentencing options open, meaning the teenager could face custody.