The distraught owner of a missing Shetland pony has pleaded for his safe return.

Owner Julie Blake, of Summerhouse Lane in Aldenham, runs a rescue centre for unwanted horses and said she is desperate to have Cecil, a one-month-old foal, back. 

As well as Cecil, the centre also looks after his mother and twin sister.

Police are now on the look out for the pony, who was stolen from the stables between 7pm on Thursday evening and 7am this morning.

Mrs Blake said: "If you've taken Cecil, please just bring him home to his mum. I don't want to cause any trouble for anyone - I don't care about anything like that. I want Cecil back home, that's all I want from this.

"He's a really pretty foal and he's such a mummy's boy, so he'll be lost without her."

Friends are searching the surrounding area to try to find the young horse.

She added: "All my friends are going round shops and pubs to put up leaflets in case anyone has seen anything. I'm wandering around a field looking, and people have got their dogs out to help too.

"I can't physically do anything more."

Cecil is very small, coloured red and white, and one of his eyes is a distinctive blue colour.

PC John Phelan is investigating the case. He said: "Anyone who remembers seeing anything unusual or suspicious between yesterday evening and this morning in the area of Summerhouse Lane should also contact me as they may have information that can assist our investigation.”

Anyone with any information in relation to this incident should contact PC Phelan via Hertfordshire Constabulary’s non-emergency number 101.