Bloodied runaway horses injure five in central London chaos
In a significant incident on Wednesday morning, several horses from the Household Cavalry bolted and were seen running loose through central London, causing concern and disruption. The riderless horses, still adorned with saddles and bridles, were observed in the vicinity of Aldwych, with at least one of the animals appearing to be covered in a red liquid. Images and footage of the event quickly circulated on social media, capturing the public's attention.
The Metropolitan Police and the Army were actively involved in efforts to manage the situation and ensure the safety of both the horses and the public. A black 4x4 vehicle with blue lights was seen following the horses in an attempt to contain them. The loose horses led to injuries, with at least one person receiving treatment after a horse collided with traffic, including a black cab. Emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service, responded to reports of a person being thrown from a horse on Buckingham Palace Road, dispatching multiple crews to the scene.
The incident also resulted in damage to vehicles, including a double-decker bus that sustained a broken windscreen after an encounter with one of the horses. The City of London Police reported that two of the horses had been secured and were receiving veterinary care, with a cordon established near Buckingham Palace Road as a precautionary measure.
This occurrence has highlighted the challenges of managing ceremonial animals in busy urban areas and has prompted a coordinated response between the Metropolitan Police, the Army, and other emergency services to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible.
