Watch video: Runaway ​​​​​​horses in London sparks frenzy, one had blood on it

London: Dramatic scene unfolded in Central London on Wednesday morning as two horses, believed to be from a prestigious cavalry unit, broke free and galloped through the heart of the city. Videos circulating on social media captured the frenzy, showing a bloodied white horse and a black companion racing down streets lined with surprised onlookers.

Initial confusion and concerted effort

Early reports suggested "a number of horses" were on the loose, prompting a swift response from authorities. London's Metropolitan Police collaborated with the British Army to locate the animals. Thankfully, the chaos was contained within a short period, with only four minor injuries reported and a damaged double-decker bus windscreen.

Social media captures the drama

Graphic videos on platforms like [X] (formerly Twitter) showcased the height of the commotion. One clip depicted a white horse, saddled and bearing bloodstains, thundering through the streets alongside a black horse near Aldwych. The bustling area, nestled between London's financial district and the vibrant West End, witnessed cars swerving to avoid the runaway equines.

UPDATE:
At least five Household Cavalry horses, including one soaked with blood, have run loose in central London after throwing their riders.
Five people, including a soldier who was riding one of the horses, were injured.
The condition of the injured is not immediately known. pic.twitter.com/kjDE19FtEi

— FlashFeed (@FlashFeed365) April 24, 2024

Tracing the source

As per The Telegraph, the source of the mayhem was identified as Horse Guards Parade, a ceremonial ground in Westminster where prestigious cavalry regiments are stationed. These horses are a familiar sight in central London, often seen during official events and royal processions.

Investigation points to training exercise gone wrong

Initial reports from the London Ambulance Service indicated a possible incident during a training exercise on Buckingham Palace Road, with a rider potentially being thrown from a horse. The two runaway horses were eventually apprehended near Limehouse, approximately six kilometers east of central London.

Two horses have just been seen running down Aldwych in central London. One covered in blood ! pic.twitter.com/UFnoVzQwPd

— SR ⁶⁹ (@ultimate__d) April 24, 2024

Regulatory review likely

The captured horses are expected to receive veterinary attention in horse boxes provided by the British Army. This incident is likely to trigger a thorough review of safety protocols surrounding cavalry training exercises in central London.