A PONY has been found lost and alone in Whitley in an apparent bid to walk towards the M4.

The horse with no name is currently in the care of officers after being herded up in the early hours of this morning.

Police were bemused to find the wandering Shetland pony traipsing along near Whitley Wood Lane at around 3.15am.

At one point the equine escapist was seen running across the lanes of the the B3270 heading towards junction 11 of the motorway.

An appeal has now been launched to find its owner and return it safely home.

It did not appear to be injured in anyway and is thought to be in a stable condition.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "We got a call at around 3.15am this morning saying there was a horse in Whitley Wood Lane heading towards the M4.

"A couple officers tried to ring various agencies but the horse is currently in the care of police.

"We are appealing for the owner to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote the reference URN 87 18/05/2016.

A checking procedure is in place to ensure the horse will only be handed over to the genuine owner.