A DEVASTATED horseowner broke down last night after he told how he tried in vain to save his beloved animals from blazing stables.

Michael Richardson wept as he relived the moment he discovered arsonists had torched the barn where his three horses were kept.

"I was there as the fire broke out and I could hear the horses screaming but I couldn't get in because of the flames," said the 61-year-old.

"That's all I keep thinking about. I knew they were on their last legs and I couldn't help them.

"Those horses weren't just animals to me - they were part of the family. I spent every minute of the day with them."

The Northern Echo reported yesterday how arsonists had gone to the stable just behind Lingdale High Street, near Skelton, East Cleveland, at about 6am on Sunday, and set stable rugs on fire.

Police said the motive was a mystery, but grandfather Mr Richardson believed it was revenge.

He said during the past five years, poachers and lampers had visited his field at night.

He said he had complained to police and had been threatened with a gun by a young poacher but it had not deterred him.

Mr Richardson said the problem got so bad that he even patrolled his field at night for two months last summer. He has suffered two burglaries at the stables - one a fortnight ago - but said he cannot understand how anyone could kill defenceless animals.

"Without a shadow of a doubt, I think it is because I have taken a stand against it," said the retired policeman.

"They would come with guns and they would scare the horses.

"You just can't have a scared horse, weighing a ton and travelling at 40mph, in a field with youngsters."

Mr Richardson and his wife, Rhona, had one of the horses for 17 years and another since she was one day old.

He said Whiskey Mac, Little Fella and Beth had also been much-loved by young riders in Lingdale, including his two granddaughters.

"I'm not seeking vengeance, but I want justice for animal-lovers," he said.

"How could anyone do this to harmless animals?"

Cleveland Police Sergeant Matt Hollingsworth said: "It would take a very cold and callous person to set fire to a barn, knowing there were three horses inside."

Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland Police on 01642-326326.