Ponies shot dead in their field

Care home staff Michelle Williams and Roger Edwards

Two ponies, kept at a Shropshire care home, have been shot dead.

The Shetland ponies were killed in their field in Edgeley Road in Whitchurch sometime during Saturday night.

Roger Edwards, who cared for the ponies, called Bill and Ben, for more than 10 years, said the ponies had been part of the care home's family.

Two youths, 17 and 14, have been charged with firearms offences and will appear before magistrates.

They have also been charged with criminal damage and cruelty to animals. They will appear before Telford magistrates in June.