A schoolboy who was scheduled to appear in court charged in connection with the death of a Shetland pony found fatally stabbed in a West Lothian field will now go before the Children's Panel.

The 15-year-old was detained and held overnight by Police Scotland officers investigating the attack on the pony, called Pepper, at Roman Camp Cottages, Broxburn.

The pony suffered at least seven stab wounds to one flank and bled to death at the scene. A friend of Pepper's owner raised the alarm after discovering him in the field on Monday.

The attack, believed to have occurred on Sunday evening or Monday morning, sparked an outpouring of anger on social media and an appeal for witnesses by Police Scotland.

The teenager - who cannot be named for legal reasons - was arrested on Monday and was scheduled to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court today.

However, the Crown Office confirmed he will no longer be prosecuted in court.

A spokesperson said: "The procurator fiscal at Livingston received a report concerning a 15 year old in connection with an alleged offence on 8 June 2020.

“After consideration of the facts and circumstances, Crown Counsel instructed that the case be referred to the Children’s Reporter.”

Schoolboy charged in connection with West Lothian Shetland pony death to go before Children's Panel