Four people have been taken to hospital after five runaway horses from the Household Cavalry bolted through central London, causing chaos and colliding with vehicles including a double-decker bus and a taxi. The horses became spooked by loud construction noise during a routine military exercise in Belgravia, the Army said.
Three soldiers and a cyclist, believed to be a member of the public, were injured. The soldiers are receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, according to an Army spokesperson. One horse was seen covered in blood, and all animals have been recovered and returned to camp for veterinary care.
The incident occurred between 08:25 and 08:35 BST, with paramedics treating patients in Buckingham Palace Road, Belgrave Square, and the junction of Chancery Lane and Fleet Street. Two horses were finally stopped in Limehouse, east London, over five miles from where they bolted.
Lt Col Matt Woodward, commanding officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, said building materials were dropped from height near the horses, causing them to bolt and unseat some riders. He expressed gratitude to emergency services and the public for help in securing the animals.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with one black cab driver narrowly avoiding being hit, and a woman seeing a 'very bloody' horse being walked by police. The Household Cavalry was rehearsing for a Major General's Inspection ahead of the King's birthday parade in June.
