THE owner of a children’s pony named Del Boy that had to be rescued from a canal after it was allegedly stolen has said he was “absolutely disgusted” to hear about the incident.

Dean Diffey, of the Walshes estate, heard that his children’s pony had been found in the Stourport canal on Saturday evening after he received a call from someone who recognised the animal.

Earlier in the evening, police had been called to Stourport Road, in Kidderminster, where three people were reported to be riding in a cart pulled by a small black pony.

Police advised the three to get off the cart due to safety concerns as it was dark. They were later seen on the canal towpath and police again advised them to stop.

A short time later, the fire service and police were called to the canal at about 8.18pm where the pony was in the water, with the cart still attached.

Mr Diffey, whose three children are aged two to four, said: “I found out when I got a call from someone who knew Del Boy was ours. We were absolutely disgusted.

“My kids were very upset, we’d bought the horse for them. We briefly explained to them what had happened but we didn’t go into detail. We told them he was alright and he’s in good care.”

The pony was being kept on the Stourport flood plains by the Stourport bridge when it was allegedly stolen. Mr

Diffey, 32, and his wife Emma have since moved Del Boy to a stable in Hartlebury.

Mr Diffey added: “We’d like to thank the fire brigade and the emergency services. Also Isaac Smith and Billy Price who went down to the canal with planks of wood to help the fire brigade.

“He had a cart attached to him and was up to his waist in water. He’s such a loving horse, he doesn’t deserve that.

“He’s recovering. He’s being very well looked after at the stables.”

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

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