THE owners of a young foal reported as stolen from a private field have made an impassioned plea for its safe return. 

Debbie Gaskin said that the eight-week-old animal was taken from a fenced paddock on a property in Field Head Lane, Birstall, near the A650. 

She said the animal, called Sooty, was seen on Sunday night, but had gone missing by 8am the following morning. 

Police have been informed. 

Mrs Gaskin said the black foal was in danger unless it could be urgently reunited with its mother. 

She said: "Anyone with any knowledge of horses will know that the foal needs its mother for around another four months, it will be urgently in need of mother's milk. 

"I would just plead for anyone with information to come forward."

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the animal should contact Mrs Gaskin on 07990 502007, or police on 101.