Two Shetland ponies have been shot and killed in an attack in a Shropshire field.

The ponies, which belonged to an elderly people’s nursing home in the town were killed in their paddock in Whitchurch between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

Two teenagers were due to appear in court today accused of killing the animals.

Police officers arrested the youths, aged 17 and 14, and they have now been charged with firearms offences and cruelty to animals. The 14-year-old has also been charged with burglary.

The ponies, known as Bill and Ben, belonged to Edgeley House Nursing and Residential Home in Whitchurch, and had lived as pets in a paddock off Edgeley Road for about 14 years.

A spokesman for the home said: “Everyone at the home is shocked and upset at the death of two beloved pets.

“We are fully co-operating with the police in their inquiries.”

News of the incident also came as a shock to many residents from the town.

Whitchurch Town Council member Marion Winwood today said she was shocked and upset.

She said: “I think the world is becoming a sad place. It makes me sad to think something like that would happen in a place like this.”

Edith Ingram, of Edgeley Road, said: “The ponies had been there for years. They were very friendly and were lovely little things. I used to feed them bread and am really upset about this.”

Police officers alerted the RSPCA and have now launched an appeal for witnesses.

West Mercia Police spokesman Richard Ewels said: “There are two youths aged 17 and 14 due to appear before Telford Magistrates Court today. Both are facing firearms offences, cruelty to animals, and the younger of the two also faces a burglary charge. It all relates to the shooting of two Shetland ponies which were kept in a paddock.

“This happened sometime between 3pm on Saturday and 7am on Sunday. The RSPCA were informed about the incident and liaised with police officers.

“Police have issued an appeal for witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to call Whitchurch police station on 08457 444888.”