Three horses killed in arson attack

Three horses were killed and two seriously injured in an arson attack on a stables in the Black Country.

Police and fire officers were investigating today after gas detection equipment showed that petrol was used to set the shelter ablaze. Two foals, aged six months and eight months, and a 14-month-old horse were trapped inside and killed in the fire, while two other horses managed to escape, possibly by kicking down the stable doors.

One was left blind while the other suffered severe smoke inhalation, and both were put on a 24-hour emergency watch by a vet.

The wreckage of the stables, in a field off Huntsmill Drive, Pensnett, Dudley, was discovered yesterday morning by its devastated owners, who had driven there to feed the animals.

Owner June Thornton, aged 63, , who lives nearby in Smithy Lane with her husband Paul, 66, said: "I'm heartbroken."

Witnesses should call police on 0345 113 5000.