THIEVES left two horses shivering after stealing the coats from their backs.

The two horses were in a field on the outskirts of Gainford, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, when the thieves struck overnight on Monday.

The horses' owner, Sharon Logan, said the crime was particularly despicable because the two horses were vulnerable, one being a mare in foal, and the other a 32-year-old.

The horses were left in the cold and wet without even vests to protect them from the weather.

Mrs Logan said she could not believe the thieves could be so heartless.

She said: "When I got up the next morning, the old mare was soaking wet and shivering and now has a cold.

"With the old mare, the minute they took the rug off they would have seen how old she is because she looks ancient.

"The other horse is a former racehorse and has a short coat, so she needed a big thick rug as well

"I cannot believe people would do this, it is just so cruel."

One of the blankets had a postcode, DL2 3RL, painted on it, the other blanket was a black Weatherbeater. Two vests were also stolen.

Mrs Logan said neither of the horses could be kept inside and so needed to be out in the field.

She fears the thieves may return to steal replacement blankets.

She said: "I have painted postcodes all over them so they cannot be used by anyone else."

Inspector Kevin Tuck, of Barnard Castle police, said: "This is quite an unusual crime, but if anyone has any information, we would be grateful if they could contact us."

Anybody with information is asked to call 0845 606 0365.