VANDALS let loose horses, cattle and sheep near the A46 outside Nailsworth last night.

Farm animals were let loose after gates were unhinged at stables and a farm at Barton End near Nailsworth.

The incident, which happened at Barton End Farm and a neighbouring field at around 8.30pm last night, could have resulted in dozens of animals being injured.

Farmer Roland Blackwell said: "It was all very bizarre and we don't quite know what happened.

"They let horses out the barn, they let my sons sheep out and they also let my neighbours cattle out."

Luckily all the animals were retrieved and returned to their barns and fields safely, before any of them were hurt on the busy nearby A46.

Roland continued: "Thankfully there are no animals missing.

"Gates were opened, let off their hinges and a gate in a hedge that hasn't been used for about eight years was opened and let horses mix."

Gloucestershire police are currently investigating the incident and anyone with additional information should contact them on 101.