TWO people were arrested after a pony, which is believed to be stolen, had to be rescued from a canal in Stourport.

Police were called to Stourport Road, Kidderminster, on Saturday evening to a report of three people riding in a cart pulled by a small black pony, named Del Boy.

Police advised the three to get off the cart due to safety concerns as it was dark.

The three then got on the canal towpath and were again advised to get off the cart.

A short time the fire service and police were called to the canal near Manor Road, Stourport, where the pony was in the water, with the cart still attached.

A vet was called and the pony was sedated and pulled out of the canal. It was reunited with its owners.

A 26-year-old man and 18-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of theft and animal cruelty.

The man was released on police bail until Friday, November 8, pending further inquiries and the woman was released without charge.