Gate theft leads to horse deaths

Four horses were killed when they strayed on to a motorway after gates from their field were stolen.

Several horses escaped from the field near Wentbridge, on the border of West and North Yorkshire, after the gates were stolen at the weekend.

Four of the animals were later hit by vehicles on the nearby A1 motorway. Three died at the scene and a fourth was put to sleep by a local vet.

Anyone with information about the gate theft is urged to contact York CID.

The gates were stolen between 1500 BST on Saturday and 0015 BST on Sunday. The field belongs to the Timbertops Equestrian Centre.

Pc Lee Brook, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "The theft of these gates has resulted in a serious collision which ended tragically with the loss of four animals.

"Thankfully none of the occupants of the vehicles were injured, but they were very shaken up. The potential consequences of the thieves' actions don't bear thinking about."

Pc Brook appealed to people at local auctions or agricultural sales to contact police if they have suspicions about metal gates offered for sale.

He added: "The monetary value of these gates is very little compared to the devastation caused on Sunday morning and we are determined to find out who was responsible for the theft."