Horror moment runaway Cavalry horse topples to floor as it smashes through e-bikes on London rampage that injured four
THIS is the horror moment a runaway Cavalry horse topples to the floor during its rampage through London.
Five horses bolted and ran six miles after fleeing a "routine exercise" in Belgravia on Wednesday after they were allegedly spooked by noise from a nearby building site.
In traumatic new footage, the white horse, who was seen sprinting through London covered in blood, trips and smashes through a collection of parked electric bikes.
Four people were injured and two horses were said to be in a serious condition following the incident as witnesses stood by and watched in disbelief.
During the ordeal, one horse crashed into a London tour bus outside Buckingham Palace Road and a black cab waiting at the Clermont Hotel - smashing both sets of windows.
The terror lasted for two hours before the horses were eventually calmed down and caught.
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Despite the chaos being blamed on construction workers dropping rubble, a video posted online, reportedly recorded on the same day, shows a horse throw a trooper to the ground at Horse Guards Parade.
Defence minister James Cartlidge said the two injured cavalry horses are named Vida and Quaker.
He added it was an "exceptional" situation, explaining more than 150 animals are on exercise in the capital each day.
Asked about the condition of the two seriously injured horses by LBC, he said he "wouldn't want to say more".
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He added: "Obviously, we didn't want that situation to happen. What I would stress to you is that this is very exceptional.
"You are probably aware that the Army has horses out on exercise in central London every day of the week. It is about 150 horses on average exercising every day.
"So this is extremely unlikely this scenario. Unfortunately we have seen what has happened, but all I can say is the crucial thing, as you said yourself, no serious injuries to the public as far as we aware, and of course we will be keeping an eye on the situation."
The Army later said two horses involved had undergone operations.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, the Army said one of those operated on had been taken to equine hospital.
Three soldiers who were injured would "recover fully and return to duty", it added.
The statement said: "Of the seven horses which were spooked, five tried to bolt and four, Vida, Trojan, Quaker and Tennyson, broke loose.
"Two of the injured horses were operated on last night, with one transferred to an equine hospital. All remaining horses are being closely observed.
"Our horses receive the highest standards of care, and those that did not undergo surgery are expected to return to duty in due course.
"We want to thank everyone who has shown such kindness and concern towards our soldiers and horses. We will provide more updates soon."
Pictures and videos of the horses were shared on social media, one of which showed a black 4x4 with blue lights following the animals.
Footage posted by users showed a saddled white horse covered in blood running through the street alongside a black one.
Ambulance crews treated four people in three separate incidents in Buckingham Palace Road, Belgrave Square, and at the junction of Chancery Lane and Fleet Street, in the space of just 10 minutes.
It is understood that three soldiers were assessed in hospital for their injuries, which were not thought to be serious.
A City of London Police spokesperson said on Wednesday: "At around 8.40am, we were called about horses that had became loose and were travelling through the City.
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"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."
