Horses to help in football policing plans
The four-legged friends will be deployed this weekend.
West Midlands Police have signed up some horses to assist them in policing football across the Midlands this weekend.
The force have struck a loan deal for specially-trained horses to help out for the first time in over 20 years.
The deal's been agreed with Thames Valley Police who will be helping officers at the CBS Arena on Saturday - as Coventry City take on Middlesbrough.
The decision comes as West Bromwich Albion, Walsall and Birmingham are also all playing at home this weekend - and the force say a 'visible policing presence' needs to be maintained across all games.
Football commander, Superintendent Jack Hadley, said: “Like every fan in the region we're delighted to see football back following the summer break.
"The fixture-list has given us a busy start with neighbours Albion, Blues, Coventry and Walsall all playing at home.
"We decided to recruit police horses after considering the best - and most cost-effective way - of ensuring we could police all the fixtures. With our primary focus being to ensure people can safely attend and enjoy their team's first home game of the season.
"We've not used horses to help at football fixtures for a long-time and we're grateful to Coventry City for their support in us bringing them in. I’m sure they will be a welcome addition and make a great photo opportunity for fans.
“If this approach proves successful in supporting our policing plans they could become a mane-stay in the future.”
Dave Boddy, Coventry City Chief Executive, said: “We’re supporting West Midlands Police with the trial of using horses to support their policing operation, and will work closely with them for this to be a success and to help ensure the safety of all supporters at matches.”