SKYE, an eight-year-old Arab horse who found himself at the centre of a major rescue operation this week, has died.

The grey stallion had a suspected heart attack yesterday morning, three days after suffering concussion when he was found "cast" in his stable at Castlebrook Farm, Unsworth.

Cast explains a condition where a horse lies down too close to a wall and is unable to find enough leg room to stand, causing cramps.

Skye caused himself more harm through his frantic bid to stand, banging his head against the stable wall.

Firefighters spent all day Monday working alongside vets to help the stricken horse. A heavy-duty winch was used to place Skye in a cradle and allow the blood flow to return to his legs. However, his concussion hindered recovery forcing rescuers to leave the animal on the floor of a barn and allow natural recovery.

During the week Skye's health improved with the horse getting to his feet on a number of occasions. However, his ordeal proved too much for the horse, which is owned by Joanne O'Hanlan.

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