A Manuden mother and son have been left devastated by the theft of five chickens they raised from eggs and were keeping as family pets.

Samantha Ashbourn, 44, of David Collins Drive, and son Quinn, 11, had five of the six baby chicks they were keeping at Cock Farm, Carters Hill, stolen sometime between 9.15pm on Wednesday. August 3, and 8.15am on Thursday, August 4.

Mrs Ashbourn said when she went to check on the animals on Thursday morning, she found two locks to the pen unbolted and two coop doors, with lift-twist-drop handles, open.

The baby chicks were only eight-weeks-old and Mrs Ashbourn wants to raise awareness and appeal for help in finding the missing animals.

Mrs Ashbourn said: “My son, Quinn, is heartbroken by the loss of his pets. There is almost a sinister aspect to it, as they were so young and not of any real commercial value for eggs or meat.

“We are desperate to get them back and would appeal to anyone who may have seen them or knows anything to come forward.”

Three of the stolen chickens are white and are of similar appearance, while the other two are black with pale markings.

Quinn said: “I’m quite shocked that it happened. They would not be worth a lot to other people, but they are worth a lot to us, they were our pets.

“We’ve raised them from eggs, not for poultry or anything, and we would really love to get them back.”

Mrs Ashbourn added: “We don’t really mind how we get them back as long as we do, I am offering a reward for their safe return. I hope that someone can see what these chicks mean to us and have it in their heart to return them.”

A spokesperson for Essex Police said the force were investigating the incident and anyone with information is advised to call 101.