Toddler, three, is traumatised after low-flying American fighter jets ‘killed her pony and several others’ after the animals were spooked by the planes 

• Amelia Brown's pet horse, Monty, 10, died while in a field in Redruth, Cornwall
• Two low-flying USAF F15 jets were seen near the area before Monty died
• Amelia's mother Naomi claims he was terrified by the sight and sound of the jets 

A three-year-old girl has been left traumatised by the loss of her pony after American fighter jets were seen flying low near his field. 

Amelia Brown is said to be devastated by the loss of her pet pony, Monty, 10, after two jets, which are believed to have come from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, were spotted.

Her mother, Naomi, 24, of Redruth, Cornwall, claims Monty was left in a 'bad' state an hour later and subsequently died. 

Mrs Brown said: 'The horses were galloping around fine at 12.30pm, at about 3.30pm the low flying planes were spotted in the area and at about 4.30pm our pony was found in a very bad state.

'After that it all happened so quickly, the emergency vet was called and it took five people to get the pony back in the yard, but it was too late, he had twisted his gut and died before the vet could arrive.

'He was obviously spooked by something and we think that it's too much of a coincidence, after seeing the planes and hearing other people's comments.' 

She added: 'She has had pets that have died before, as she understands about life and death, but this has been very hard for her.

'We told her the next day and she's been repeatedly saying how she wants him back.

'We've made a memory board of Monty which is right next to her bed so that she can see him when she wakes up and goes to bed.'

'Hopefully by sharing this story it will raise more awareness and stop this from happening in the future.'

Initial reports suggested at least three horses in total had to be shot as a result. 

Several residents have come forward saying they too were terrified by the sound of the jets, while others accused the planes of unnerving mourners at a wake - leading to some thinking they were going to crash.

Mrs Brown is now teaming up with Claire Sexton, who put out an appeal for information on Facebook after learning of the deaths of several of her friend's horses.

Ms Sexton wrote: 'Two grey fighter jets flew VERY low over Cornwall on Wednesday, April 12, in the afternoon - at least three horses had to be shot in consequence.

'There may be more - my friend has had to shoot three horses, two with field injuries sustained yesterday, when the two planes passed fast and very low.

'One today, after yesterday it panicked, threw its rider and has become too dangerous for a vet to go near it.

'He sees a pattern - one of the horse owners checked with RNAS Culdrose, but they deny having anything in the air at the time.'

Other people commented to say they too knew of horses that also had to be put down following the exercise.

Ms Sexton is now hoping that owners may be compensated.

She added: 'Each of these horse-owners must have felt that theirs was an individual, inexplicable tragedy.

'It would be constructive for them, and anyone else affected, to be able to get together, to get answers and, not that it makes up for it, compensation if there was illegal low flying.'

Among those who reported to be affected was Laura Pope, of Truro, Cornwall.

She said: 'They flew right over the yard so low the whole barn shook and horses all up set.

'It was terrifying and the noise was nothing short of deafening. This was frightening, dangerous and irresponsible.

'I rang to complain but got the distinct impression not a whole lot would be done and it was made clear we would not get an apology for the unnecessary distress caused.

'I was told to submit any vets bills or bills for damages caused by the incident, but was left very unclear on whether they would be paid or where/whom they should be submitted to!

'There are rules and regulations for flying over areas of livestock that are clearly being ignored resulting in tragedies

'These pilots were not training they were fooling about.

'It's bad enough that people have lost livestock but it could have easily been a much bigger tragedy.'

RAF Lakenheath have been approached for a comment.