POLICE and RSPCA officers had to round up 11 stray horses which were found loose on a North Yorkshire road.

A number of residents had complained about horses wandering around the villages of Carlton and Camblesforth, and officers from both organisations were sent to the scene.

A police spokesman said: “A local man has admitted ownership of some of the horses and a joint investigation is ongoing. North Yorkshire Police continue to work towards a long-term solution, with the NFU, RSPCA, local authorities and local government.”

“We are assisting the RSPCA with their ongoing investigation into how the horses came to be loose.

“We remind owners of all animals to make sure they are kept appropriately at all times so that they do not present a danger to road users.”

Leanne Plumtree, an RSPCA spokeswoman, said the horses were running around in Carlton High Street, and they would remain with the organisation despite the owner coming forward in the meantime.

She said: “The RSPCA is caring for eleven horses that were seized by police and placed in our care last Wednesday because of concerns for their safety.

“The owner of the horses was expected to be interviewed by the RSPCA later this week. No further information is available at this time as our investigation is on-going.”

Anyone with information which could assist the police or RSPCA with their investigation, including details on the owners of the remaining horses, should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.

Alternatively, residents with information about how long the horses were loose, are asked to phone the RSPCA on 0300 1234999 and leave a message for inspector Laura Barber.