OFFICIALS say they have found no evidence that an animal heart studded with nails was found in Moors Valley Country Park last week - but urged anyone with information to call police.

A photograph of the heart was widely circulated on social media last week as people warned dog-walkers to be wary.

However, no reports of such a find have been made to either Dorset or Hampshire police.

A spokesperson for the Forestry Commission said: “We’ve had unconfirmed reports, via social media, of an animal heart with nails in it. We’re trying to clarify the location so that we can remove the object and try to find any evidence.

"We are urging anyone who has any information to please get in touch with the police’s non-emergency line – 101. We need people to report incidents to the police, not just on social media - otherwise it won’t be dealt with appropriately.

"We’d like to reassure visitors to Moors Valley Country Park and nearby Ringwood Forest, which are popular woodland settings enjoyed by many, that we’re working closely with the police to help find those responsible.”