A grandmother said she was “devastated” when she discovered her three beloved horses had been stolen.

Wendy McLaughlin went to tend to the herd at the stables behind her home, in Church Road, Hartley, at around 6.30am on Friday (November 22) when she found it empty.

The 68-year-old told KentOnline: “I was devastated, it has been really traumatic. They are my granddaughter’s ponies and she is crying her eyes out.

“They are my life and the reason why I get up in the morning. It has been dreadful. They are like part of me, they are like children to me.

“They have been my life for many, many years. I rescued them from horrible lives and now they have probably returned to one.”

It is thought the three cob horses, Bess, 11, Freya, eight, and Misty, four, were stolen between 5.30pm and 6pm on Thursday (November 21).

A trail of foot and hoof prints had been left in the stables which Wendy followed into the park which backs onto her fields.

She believes the horses were led through Northfield Open Space, down Ash Road to the Royal Oak pub, in New Ash Green, where a trailer was waiting.

Wendy said she was told by two people that they saw a man and a woman leading the foal and mares towards the public house.

Wendy added: “They cut the wire on my bottom field fence and also took off a gate in the park to get them through.

“They are not frightened of people which is why they have been able to take them.

“Horses are getting stolen all the time around the country but I think this had to have been planned as they had the horsebox waiting.”

In the hopes of identifying her horses, she said one of the mares had a long mane which almost reached the floor while the other two had little moustaches.

Police officers are investigating the reported theft and have obtained important footage from separate locations, which is in the process of being recovered and analysed.

Residents in surrounding areas are urged to check doorbell cameras and CCTV for any other images which may assist the investigation.

Anyone with information should call the force on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/198687/24. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.