A horse has died after collapsing while on duty at Notting Hill Carnival, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed.
The event returned to West London this weekend after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, with thousands taking to the streets for a celebration of Caribbean culture.
But police said there was ‘sadness’ among all the merrymaking after one of its horses collapsed and died while working at the carnival.
The force tweeted: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm a police horse has died after collapsing on duty this evening. We will provide more information in due course.”
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In a statement, the Met Police said an investigation into the horse’s death would follow.
"At around 21:00hrs, a police horse on duty at Notting Hill Carnival collapsed,” police said.
“Officers provided emergency care, but the horse sadly died at the scene.
"It is too early to determine the cause of death. An investigation will now follow.
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"Officers form a very close bond with the animals they serve alongside.
“Our thoughts are with all our mounted branch colleagues tonight."
Ahead of the bank holiday weekend, London Mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed the return of the carnival, and urged people to try and make it a celebration to remember.
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He said: "I’m delighted that Notting Hill Carnival will be returning to the streets of west London this weekend.
"This community-led celebration of Caribbean history and culture has become one of the world’s biggest street festivals and part of the very fabric of this city.
"I urge everyone planning to attend Carnival to arrive early to make the most of this wonderful celebration of our capital’s diversity."
However, the event has not been without its incidents, with shocking footage showing the moment a bus stop collapsed under the feet of partygoers. Watch the video here:
In the clip, we see a large group clamber up onto the bus shelter and begin dancing, as hundreds of revellers line the street below them.
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A few seconds later, however, the roof of the shelter disappears, with the group of dancers plummeting to the floor.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that two people had suffered injuries as a result of the incident.
It said: "We are aware of a video showing a bus shelter collapsing in Ladbroke Grove area.
"Officers responded. Two people sustained minor injuries. They did not require further treatment."
Featured Image Credit: Benjamin John/Alamy/@iamtayo/TwitterTopics: UK News