Boy's pregnant horse stolen from paddock

A family has been searching for a horse which is just weeks away from giving birth after it was taken from a field in Leicestershire.

The theft of 10‑year‑old black‑and‑white piebald cob Sally has left her owner, an 11‑year‑old boy, "very upset", his dad John said.

John, who keeps dozens of working horses at the site in Husbands Bosworth, said they first feared Sally had escaped in early March, but it was later noticed the way the gate to the field had been closed was incorrect, prompting fears she had been stolen.

John, who has reported the suspected theft to police, said: "We're searching up and down still, driving around everywhere to see if we can find her."

John, who has offered a reward for Sally's return, said the breeding line of his working horses was passed from his father to him, and Sally was the first animal which had been passed down to his son.

"He just loves horses," he added.

John said his son was the first to notice something was wrong when he spotted a rope had been tied in a different way at the site off Welford Road.

It is believed Sally was taken on 10 or 11 March.

He added that Sally is now just several weeks away from giving birth to a foal, and is worried for their health if they are not returned beforehand.

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