A herd of donkeys worth �4,000 have been stolen from stables in Warwickshire.

The animals were taken from Dunton Stables in Curdworth on Sunday morning.

Owner James Richards said the donkeys were bred to be used as children's rides at local events.

"They've either been stolen to order or they may even have been shipped abroad.

Children's rides

"Belgium is currently buying a lot of coloured donkeys to be used as pets."

Mr Richards has been breeding donkeys for the past 20 years.

"Someone has obviously come up in a horse box, loaded them up and took them away," he said.

There are about 40 donkeys at the stables which are regularly used at local shows and events.