THIS is the first foal bred by a Fenland horse lover – but it was stolen in broad daylight just three days after it was born. The foal was so young that Tanya Barnes hadn t even given it a name. But its disappearance from a field in Murrow has left a mare

THIS is the first foal bred by a Fenland horse lover - but it was stolen in broad daylight just three days after it was born.

The foal was so young that Tanya Barnes hadn't even given it a name.

But its disappearance from a field in Murrow has left a mare distressed and Miss Barnes pleading for its return.

Miss Barnes said: "My horses are my life and I never expected something like this to happen. It just makes it worse that it is the first foal I've ever bred.

"The mare is gutted. She keeps running up and down the field and she is going ballistic because the foal has gone."

The foal, a Dutch warmblood cross, was born last Monday and was last seen by Miss Barnes at the field, in Hook's Drove, at 8am last Thursday . When she went back to the field in the evening, the foal had gone.

Miss Barnes said: "Someone has told us a white Transit van was seen speeding away from the field just after lunchtime last Wednesday, about 1pm."

She added: "Everyone I have told - both in the horse industry and people who live locally - cannot believe someone can be so heartless and steal a three-day-old foal."

Miss Barnes, 38, of Murrow, has kept horses for 30 years. Her mare, called Rosa, is nine years old and was once ill-treated.

The foal is a chocolate-brown colour with a dark brown stripe down its back and a white star on its head.

A police spokeswoman said: "It is clearly distressing for anyone to have their animals stolen, particularly such a young animal.

"Please get in touch with Wisbech police if you have any information."

CONTACT: Police on 0845 456 4564 or Miss Barnes on 07765 656956.