Queen’s escaped horses cause chaos on road

POLICE are investigating after 21 horses belonging to the Household Cavalry were let out of their field, causing “absolute carnage” on a nearby road.

The horses, which were resting from their duties with the Queen’s Life Guard, bolted when they were released from the RAVC Defence Animal Training Regiment in Melton Mowbray, Leics.

They were reportedly seen being chased by three people on motorbikes, who were beeping their horns and revving their engines.

Several horses were hit by vehicles as they cantered up to six miles away from the base, before all were eventually rounded up by members of the public, police and vets using cars and horse boxes.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) yesterday said all were safety returned.

Local people said it was a “miracle” none of the horses was killed, with a scene of “absolute carnage” narrowly avoided when some of the horses were stopped just short of a dual carriageway.

One woman said a collision with a horse had written off a car, with smashed glass feared to have injured horses. The incident took place around 11.15pm on Friday, with the horses finally returned to the stables by 2.30am.

In a statement, the MOD said: “We can confirm that a number of military horses were released from the Defence Animal Training Regiment fields late on August 4.

“All horses were subsequently returned to the stables and are making a good recovery. The Ministry of Defence is grateful to members of the community, the police and veterinary staff from Nottingham University, who helped to get the situation under control and the horses home so quickly.”

A spokesman for Leicestershire Police said: “Some of the horses were involved in minor collisions but no one from the vehicles has reported being injured.

“We understand the shock and anger the incident may have caused but we ask that people don’t speculate on social media. We would like to speak to anyone who may have been driving in the area and witnessed the incident or who was involved in a collision with any of the horses and hasn’t yet reported the incident.

“We’d also like to thank everyone who assisted officers in locating and securing the horses.”