THIEVES failed in their bid to steal six ponies from an equestrian centre in Madresfield, near Malvern.

The ponies were moved from their field through a number of gates at Hayswood Equestrian to a neighbour's land.

The owner managed to find them following the attempted theft on Wednesday, April 25.

A spokesman for the police said: "One theory is that although tyre marks were found in the neighbour's field, the thieves failed to load the ponies and gave up."

A vehicle was heard in the area at 4.30pm but nothing was seen at the centre or on the neighbouring land.

If anyone saw anything suspicious, or has any other information, they are asked to contact police on 08457 444888, quoting 101S/250407, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.