SEVEN much-loved horses have been returned safe and sound after a near death experience on the roads.

The animals escaped from their field in Jotmans Farm, Benfleet, before running loose on the A13 dual carriageway and London Road.

The owners have thanked public-spirited drivers who abandoned their cars to help round up the horses before they were injured.

Rebecca Clark, 40, of Woodham Park Drive, Benfleet, owns three-year-old Kiko, who was among the escaped horses. She said: “We’re all absolutely relieved.

“I think we’re a bit shocked, as we are thinking what might have happened.”

The horses got out after a gate had been left open. The owners spotted their escape and began chasing them as they approached the Sadlers Farm roundabout.

Three of the horses headed along the A13 towards Pitsea, while the others went towards Tarpots via London Road.

Mrs Clark: “People on the A13 were literally stopping their cars, jumping out and grabbing the horses for us. They were amazing.”

The other four horses were rounded up in the car park of the Harvester restaurant, in London Road.

None were injured.The horses are all kept at Jotmans Farm, off Jotmans Lane, but belong to local riders.