The British Army provided an update on the horses that were spotted running through central London, with one horse seen “drenched in blood.” The incident occurred during an exercise in Belgravia when construction materials were dropped next to the horses, causing them to bolt. Four service personnel were thrown off their horses, and five animals got loose, causing havoc in the city. The horses were later brought back under control and are now safe. The soldiers and horses are undergoing veterinary care, and three soldiers were taken to the hospital for injuries.
The incident in London involved seven horses and six soldiers from the Household Cavalry, with a total of five horses breaking loose and causing injuries and damage. The horses, which were traumatised by the construction materials that spooked them, were seen running through busy areas of the city, colliding with vehicles and a tour bus. The animals were eventually recaptured by City of London Police and taken for assessment by Army vets. The British Army expressed gratitude for the prompt response from various agencies and members of the public who helped deal with the situation.
Witnesses described the chaotic scenes as the horses ran through central London, with one horse covered in blood, causing shock and disbelief among onlookers. Members of the public and law enforcement officers worked together to bring the situation under control and ensure the safety of the injured animals and people. City of London Police officers took courageous actions to provide first aid to the injured and anxious horses while managing traffic on the busy roads, allowing the animals to be safely led back to the Army barracks for urgent medical care.
The London Ambulance Service responded to reports of a person being thrown from a horse during the incident, highlighting the potential dangers and risks associated with such situations. The rapid response from emergency services and law enforcement played a crucial role in addressing the chaos caused by the loose horses in central London. The British Army expressed relief that all horses had returned safely to Hyde Park Barracks and were receiving necessary veterinary care, emphasizing the rarity of such incidents considering the frequency of exercises and the number of horses involved.
The Army confirmed that the horses were spooked by unexpected construction works, which led to them bolting and causing chaos in central London. The safety and well-being of the soldiers, members of the public, and the horses were the immediate priority for the authorities involved. The incident prompted a coordinated response from various agencies, including the Met Police, City of London Police, London Ambulance Service, and London Fire Brigade. The actions of brave officers and members of the public helped to prevent further harm and distress, ensuring the injured horses received prompt medical attention and care.
Overall, the incident involving escaped horses in central London resulted in injuries to soldiers, damage to vehicles, and a brief period of chaos in the city. However, the swift response from emergency services, law enforcement, and members of the public helped to bring the situation under control and ensure the safety of all involved. The Army is providing ongoing care for the horses involved while emphasizing the rare occurrence of such incidents during exercises in urban areas. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of working with animals and the importance of preparedness and quick reactions in emergency situations.
