Horse throws rider and bolts along A5

According to eyewitnesses, the horse threw off its rider and galloped along a four-mile stretch of the A5 near Montford Bridge.

Police confirmed the horse had run into two vehicles during the dramatic bolt. The incident happened at about 9.45am on February 16.

Motorist Mark Osborne and his wife Linda were travelling from North Wales to London along the southbound A5 near Montford Bridge.

Mr Osborne, 43, said: "We couldn't understand why there was a wing mirror in the middle of the road.

"Two cars flashed us and we saw the horse on the side of the road, we followed it for about four miles. It was galloping all over the place," he added.

Mr Osborne said he used his position behind the horse to prevent other motorists from overtaking. He said the horse eventually ran out of steam on the outskirts of Montford Bridge and was brought under control by its owner – who had also been following in a car behind.

Mr Osborne said: "Once it came to a standstill its owner calmed it down."

Richard Ewels, spokesperson for West Mercia Police, confirmed the horse had been injured in the incident.

He said: "We had several call from motorists at around 9.45am on Saturday. There was a horse, a rider-less horse, loose on the A5 in the Montford Bridge area.

"Police attended and were assisted by several members of the public the horse was brought under control within 10 to 15 minutes.

"It had been in a collision with two vehicles and suffered a cut. It was taken away to be treated by vets."

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