HEARTLESS thieves have "wiped out" a Redditch horse riding school, stealing more than £30,000 worth of equipment.

Staff and students at the Bentley and District Riding School in Webheath have been left devastated by the theft, which took place overnight on Thursday.

Sadie Ridgewell, whose three young children ride at the Pumphouse Lane stables, said: "They have taken everything - they have completely wiped us out, we have nothing left.

"They have taken all our equipment, all of our blankets, bridles, saddles - my children couldn't even catch their horses at the weekend, let alone ride them."

She added: "The horses have also been without any blankets, which in this cold weather is not ideal."

The theft was discovered at 9am on Friday by riding school owner Ray Whitby.

The haul included a brand new Yamaha quad bike worth £5,500 as well as a vast quantity of riding and electrical equipment.

Mrs Ridgewell believes a white transit van stolen from a mechanic's yard on the same site was used to transport the stolen goods. She said the van was found abandoned in Leicester at the weekend, according to police.

"We are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to report it to the police. We would also like to warn other stables to be on their guard," she added.

Anyone with information can call police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.