Two army horses were spotted galloping through central London during rush hour on Wednesday but have since been contained, according to police and media reports.
Photos and videos circulating on social media and British news outlets captured the horses running along busy roads, weaving through traffic that included buses and taxis. Both horses were equipped with saddles and bridles, with one appearing to have blood on its chest and forelegs.
London’s Metropolitan Police stated that they are collaborating with the army to locate the horses. Several prestigious army regiments have stables in London, and it is common to see horses around government buildings such as Whitehall, Buckingham Palace, The Mall, and Hyde Park.
City of London Police, responsible for policing the Square Mile financial district, received a call about the loose horses around 8:40 am (0740 GMT).
“Our officers have contained two horses on the Highway near Limehouse,” a statement read. “We’re waiting for an Army horse box to collect the horses and transport them to veterinary care.”
The Daily Telegraph reported that up to five army horses had thrown their riders during exercise, resulting in at least one soldier being injured.
A taxi driver waiting outside the Clermont Hotel on Buckingham Palace Road had the windows of his car smashed after a spooked horse collided with the Mercedes people carrier. Pictures and videos of two of the animals running amok around London were shared on social media, one of which showed a black 4×4 with blue lights following two of the animals between Tower Bridge and Limehouse Tunnel.