A MINIATURE pony stolen from his paddock is back at home after struggling free from his captors.

Marley, a six-year-old Shetland pony who stands only 30 inches high, was snatched from the field behind his home at Christmas Lane, High Halstow, near Rochester.

His owner, 10-year-old Coral Davis, and her family were heartbroken – but less than 24 hours later, Marley was found hiding on land nearby.

Coral’s mother Caroline said: "He was absolutely exhausted and covered in mud. He must have fought for his life. He had obviously struggled to get free. He must have worn himself out."

Mrs Davis thinks the thieves tried to put the brown, long-maned pony into a car, but muddy marks on the ground show that both he and his would-be abductors fell over several times during the struggle to get him into the vehicle.

She believes the thieves searched for him but he hid on neighbouring land.

Lloyd Davis, a special constable who works in the motor trade, said: "Coral puts him into competitions and he is always winning. He is gorgeous."

The family now plan to improve security measures at their property.