A WARNING was this week issued to motorists in West Devon, following a road crash which resulted in the death of two Dartmoor ponies.

The incident happened during the early hours of Friday morning, on the B3212 near Two Bridges.

A blue Citroen with three male occupants in it hit a mare, which died at the scene — her foal suffered severe leg injuries and was so badly hurt it had to be destroyed.

PC Rhod Prouse of Tavistock Police, said the men in the car were not believed to be local and that investigations were continuing into the incident.

PC Prouse said accidents involving livestock and cars in the Princetown area were an on-going problem.

He said: 'There have been a couple of horses killed in the area recently.

'The ponies will come on to the roads and there are a lot of foals around at the moment.

'There is a 40mph speed limit in the area and where there are a lot of animals around, people need to drive according to the conditions and keep their speed down.

'They also need to be aware of the animals at night, as you can't see them until you get close.'

PC Prouse urged motorists to keep their speed within the limits when driving on the moor and to be aware of the possibility of sheep, cattle or ponies straying on to the carriageway unexpectedly.