THE owner of a rare horse is pleading for its safe return after thieves broke into stables during the night. Four-year-old Twizzle was taken late last night from the Halfway Egg Farm in Old Sheppey Way, Iwade, near Sittingbourne.

Her owner, Anne McMachan, was devastated when she received a phone call this morning saying the rare breed had been stolen. Mrs McMachan explained: "All we know is that she was taken some time during the night.

"The owner of the stable locked her in about 6pm last night and that was the last we saw of her. The police are now dealing with it."

Twizzle is a pure cream, miniature horse - about the same size as a St Bernard's dog.

But she also has special dietary needs and without the right food, she could become poorly. Mrs McMachan added: "She isn't like a normal horse and has to have special food because she is really rare."

Anyone with information about Twizzle's whereabouts, is asked to contact Mrs McMachan on 01634 843148 (daytime) or 01795 427623 (evening).