Horses bolt through Central London after being spooked by rubble
They've been caught after running through the capital on Wednesday morning.
Last updated 24th Apr 2024
Military horses caused "total mayhem" in central London after they were spooked by builders moving rubble.
A group of seven horses and six soldiers from the Household Cavalry were on an extended exercise in Belgravia on Wednesday when chaos erupted.
Four service personnel were thrown from their horses and five of the animals got loose, smashing into vehicles and causing a number of injuries.
It is believed the animals were spooked when some concrete being moved by builders hit the ground.
Ambulance crews treated four people in three separate incidents in Buckingham Palace Road, Belgrave Square, and at the junction of Chancery Lane and Fleet Street, in the space of just 10 minutes.
It is understood that three soldiers were assessed in hospital for their injuries, which were not thought to be serious.
The drama began near Buckingham Palace Road where witnesses saw a serviceman thrown from his horse, and one of the loose animals crashed into a taxi waiting outside the Clermont Hotel, shattering the windows.
Another of the animals crashed into a tour bus, smashing the windscreen.
Two horses were then seen running in the road near Aldwych, one of which appeared to be covered in blood.
City of London Police said two escaped horses have been contained after they were seen running around central London.
The force said officers were waiting for an Army horse box to collect the animals and take them to a vet.
In a statement, police said: "At around 8.40am, we were called about horses that had become loose and were travelling through the City.
"Our officers have contained two horses on the Highway near Limehouse.
"We're waiting for an Army horse box to collect the horses and transport them to veterinary care."
"Our officers have contained two horses on the Highway near Limehouse.
Paramedics were called to an incident this morning after reports of someone being injured.
The animals, wearing saddles and bridles, were seen running in the road near Aldwych on Wednesday morning.
Pictures and videos of the horses were shared on social media, one of which showed a black 4x4 with blue lights following the animals.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "We are aware of a number of horses on the loose in central London.
"We are working with colleagues in the Army to locate them."
The animals are understood to be from the Household Cavalry.