CHARITY has been left frustrated and having to foot the bill for damage caused by a dozen horses when they escaped through holes in their field fences cut by vandals.

Members of Harwich Horse Rangers, based near Church Hill in Ramsey, found three large holes in metal fencing between Wednesday and Friday last week.

Last Wednesday four horses made their way out, while eight escaped on Friday.

Luckily none of the animals or any people were hurt, but the horses did cause some damage to neighbouring gardens, which the charity has agreed to step in and pay for.

Founder and commandant Sioux Thorpe has been shocked by the damage.

She said: “First of all our field by the church had a big section cut out of it last Wednesday and four of the animals got out.

“On that part we use sheep fencing, and there is noway it could be broken without bolt cutters or something similar. Then on Friday, eight more escaped and have done some damage to gardens in the area.

“We have built up a very good reputation and it is worrying people might think we are letting the horses out to run around when that is not the case at all."

Police said they were investigating reports the fencing in the area had been cut several times.

Anyone with information can call Harwich police on 101.