Vets are battling to save a baby horse that suffered horrific burns when it was set ablaze in a suspected arson attack.

Seven-week-old Phoenix is in intensive care and being quarantined to prevent infection after he was found abandoned on a roadside with his mane completely scorched.

The little foal also suffered first and second degree burns on his body, leaving red-raw blisters across his black coat.

Vets believe that the young animal was the victim of a sick arson attack.

A passerby discovered Phoenix with the appalling burns near Sevenoaks, Kent on the evening of August 3.

He was rushed to a nearby vet where he underwent two weeks of emergency care before being transferred to Redwings Horse Hospital in Hapton, Norfolk.

It is understood that Kent Police were informed of the incident but no arrests have been made.

Stephanie Callen, communications manager for Redwings, said the hospital had "never seen anything this bad".

She added: "It's about as bad as it can get for a foal before you start thinking about its quality of life."

Phoenix will be housed at Redwings, which has 11 horse care centres in the UK, for the foreseeable future.

Vets have since bandaged him up and are ensuring he is well fed and rested.

Nic de Brauwere, head of welfare at Redwings, said: “It’s heartbreaking that anyone would target any animal, but particularly such an innocent foal with such a barbaric act of cruelty.

"Phoenix’s condition was very touch-and-go for a few days, but he started to respond to treatment.

“Even if he pulled through his initial treatment, it was clear he would need to be somewhere that could provide long-term intensive care, as well as a new permanent home, so we were only too happy to help."

Redwings' horse hospital and vet team are entirely funded by public donations.