Several horses from the Household Cavalry, one of which was covered in blood, ran through central London before being recaptured. Keep reading to find out more!

Runaway Horses Loose in London Explained

Temporary panic ensued on the streets of central London early Wednesday morning as several horses escaped from their riders. The horses, including one that appeared to be covered in blood, were seen by eyewitnesses running through parked bicycles and even a tour bus.

According to The Telegraph, the incident began around 9:28 a.m. local time, when officials closed off Buckingham Palace Road. Video of the scene shows an ambulance next to a blue tarpaulin, partially obscuring emergency workers from those nearby.

At approximately 9:45 a.m., London Metropolitan Police issued a statement confirming that “a number of horses” were running loose around central London, and were “working with colleagues, including the Army, to locate them,”

Throughout the morning, videos and photos emerged on social media showing two horses, one a white horse covered in blood, spotting running in several areas including Aldwych and Fleet Street near St. Paul’s Cathedral.

At approximately 10:06 a.m., Big Bus Tours confirmed that one of its tour buses parked near Buckingham Palace was hit by one of the escaped horses.

Police confirmed that, at approximately 10:21 a.m., two of the five horses were “contained,” By 10:48 a.m., all horses were recovered.

Military Horses in London Injuries

Officials confirmed that seven horses, controlled by six riders, participated in an exercise routine Wednesday morning, when four of the riders lost their seats after their horses got spooked, possibly from nearby construction. The remaining two riders were able to maintain control of their horses.

One of the riders was treated for injuries after their horse hit a car on Buckingham Palace Road. The rider, a soldier with the Household Cavalry, was heard “screaming in pain” by witnesses.

The current status of this soldier is unknown.

One pedestrian was photographed lying on the pavement on Fleet Street, one of the streets two of the horses were spotted on. It is unknown how the pedestrian was injured.

Many photos and videos of the horses showed a white horse covered in blood on its chest, belly, and legs. One witness said they thought the horse was in “really rough shape” and “had an injury above its right eye,”

What is the Household Cavalry?

The Household Cavalry is described as the “two most senior regiments in the British army: The Life Guards and The Blues & Royals,” The Cavalry has been the “monarch’s trusted guardians” and the face of the British Army since the year 1660.

The Cavalry is further divided into two regiments: Household Cavalry Regiment and Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

Horses in London Recaptured

After an intense few hours, police confirmed all five horses were recaptured by 10:48 a.m.

Witnesses described the streets of central London Wednesday morning as “total mayhem,”

The Westminster Police said they are “continuing to liaise with the Army” over the incident.

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Published by HOLR Magazine.

Image Credit: @jhopwv Twitter

 

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