The British army has recovered several horses after they broke free from the prestigious Household Cavalry and bolted through London on Wednesday morning.
A number of people and horses are currently being treated for injuries incurred during the incident, though further details about their conditions are unavailable.
“A number of personnel and horses have been injured and are receiving the appropriate medical attention.”
The London Ambulance Service told the PA Media news agency that four people had been taken to the hospital.
Earlier in the morning, the City of London Police – the force that oversees London’s financial district – reported the events on social media.
In a statement posted on X, it said: “At around 8.40am, we were called about horses that had became 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.”
Less than an hour after that was posted, colleagues at neighboring Westminster Police posted an update to say that “all of the horses have been accounted for” and that they were “continuing to liaise with the Army.”
Startling footage has emerged on social media showing two horses – one apparently covered with blood – running through Aldwych in central London.
According to PA, a Mercedes taxi that was waiting outside the Clermont Hotel on Buckingham Palace Road had its windows smashed by the spooked horses, while one of the animals shattered the windscreen of a double-decker tour bus.
The Household Cavalry acts as the King’s official bodyguard and take part in ceremonial duties. It is based at Hyde Park barracks, a short distance from Buckingham Palace.