Residents are calling on the RSPCA and animal welfare charities to rescue horses they claim have been neglected for over a year. 

There are currently two horses on the plot of land next to Chingford Rugby Club, in Waltham Way, Chingford, after a third horse was rescued in April of last year by the RSPCA due to health concerns. 

Horses have been living on the muddied field, which is now covered in litter, for around four years, with residents claiming they are being neglected on a daily basis through a lack of food, water, shelter and inadequate clothing. 

The owner has set up a wire fence around the horses. 

The RSPCA has been monitoring the situation for over a year, but no action has been taken since April. 

Carla Jones, 44, lives in Middleton Avenue, off Waltham Way and has complained to the RSPCA and the World Horse Welfare charity. 

She said: "I drive past everyday and try not to look at them because it breaks my heart. 

"They are dirty, their manes are matted and worst of all they have no protection from the harsh weather.  

"The conditions are so poor and I fear they will end up giving up and dying in the cold weather. 

"The only way any animal charity will intervene is if they are seen to be starving to death. We must not watch them suffer -the RSPCA must step in and rescue them."

Linda Worboys, of Winchester Road in Highams Park, said she saw the horses with icicles hanging off their manes last year.

She added: "I've made numerous phone calls and so have many others. 

"The RSPCA promised they were doing their best to monitor it, but quite clearly, their 'best' is not good enough. It's appalling."

The RSPCA has been contacted for a comment.