Two goats were stolen after raiders used bolt croppers to cut through two six feet chain-link fences and forced their way into a pen.

The five-month-old pets were carried away from their field at Preston Road, off Manston Court Road near Manston airfield overnight.

Pygmy goats Scarlett and Nell were a birthday present for their owner, nurse Valerie Harrison of Cliftonville, who discovered them missing last week when she went to feed them .

She said: "Whoever took the goats must have been very determined because they had to cut their way through two fences and then boltcrop the lock off the front of the pen.

"My main concern is for the safety of the animals and that they are well looked after and properly fed. The field is pretty remote so I can only assume someone had been keeping an eye on them and decided to take them at an opportune moment."

Nell, who is black, grey and white, is in poor health and wears splints during the day to correct leg problems. At night they are removed and she was not wearing them when she was taken, which Mrs Harrison fears will cause problems. Scarlet is brown with black legs and face.

She said: "I just hope someone doesn’t harm them or abandon them. They are timid little things and had only just got used to me."

The goats are registered with DEFRA and were wearing identity collars when stolen. Mrs Harrison has informed police, has been in touch with local vets and has put posters up .

If you have any information about Nell and Scarlett contact 07748 361069.