Soldier left injured and needing treatment as blood covered horses run loose through London

A soldier has been left injured after blood-covered horses were spotted running through London.

Earlier this morning (24 April) two horses were seen galloping through the streets of London, with witnesses saying they were 'covered in blood'.

The bizarre scene was caught in videos which have been circulating on X.

It’s reported that two were spotted in Aldwych, in central London, as well as nearby Tower Bridge as users call it ‘crazy sh*t’.

From witnesses’ videos, there may be up to five horses running with one apparently stopped by Victoria Station.

One white horse is covered in red, as one witness told the Telegraph the horse was 'bleeding all over his chest'. Others claimed the red substance looks more like paint.

A Metropolitan police spokesman said: “We are aware of a number of horses that are currently loose in central London and are working with colleagues, including the Army, to locate them.”

It's believed the horses bolted and threw their riders at the Horseguards Parade, Whitehall.

Two horses have just been seen running down Aldwych in central London. One covered in blood. Filmed by @itvnews. pic.twitter.com/0M6A1bot6Q

— Daniel Hewitt (@DanielHewittITV) April 24, 2024

One person who witnessed the events said he saw a soldier 'falling down in the street' after one of the horses ran into a car.

Bashir Aden, 48, a construction worker, told the Telegraph: “I saw a soldier falling down into the street after the horse ran into a car. One of my colleagues called the police.

“The man hit the floor hard, he was screaming in pain. You could see blood all over the parked car.

“The horses come down this route every day, but today the horse looked stressed or panicked. I saw the horse run away after it hit a bus. People were screaming and running all over.”

Mr Aden added: “The injuries looked very serious he looked really hurt.”

In one image, a member of the public can be seen lying on the pavement as passersby gather around.

KEY UPDATES

10.09AM - A tour bus company said one of the horses ran into the side of their vehicle, but no one was injured.

A Big Tours Spokesperson said: "We confirm that one of our stationary buses sustained damage this morning during an incident involving horses from the Household Cavalry. One of the horses ran into the front of our parked vehicle.

“Fortunately, none of our team members were injured. Our primary concern lies with the welfare of the riders and animals involved in the incident.

“We are currently coordinating closely with Emergency Services to assist in any way possible. At this stage, we have no further comments to provide.”

10.16AM - Two of the horses have now been contained.

A City of London spokesperson said: "At around 8.40am, we were called about horses that had became loose and were travelling through the City.

"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."

10.30AM - Police confirm all of the horses have been caught.

Westminster Police said in a statement: "We're pleased to confirm that all of the horses have been accounted for. We are continuing to liaise with the Army."

Five people are reported to have been injured at separate locations.

10.48AM - The Army offers an explanation.

A spokesperson told the Telegraph: “A number of military working horses became loose during routine exercise this morning. All of the horses have now been recovered and returned to camp.

“A number of personnel and horses have been injured and are receiving the appropriate medical attention.”

10.54AM - Taxi driver recalls terrifying moment one of the horses smashed into his vehicle

Cab driver Faraz told LBC: "I was just sitting in the car with my passenger. I didn't see the horse hit but car but then I just felt a smash...it was a shock.

"I was OK but the car was damaged. They stopped all the traffic."

11.30AM - London Ambulance Service confirms four people taken to hospital

The London Ambulance Service told the Telegraph they received a call at 8.25am about a person being thrown from a horse on Buckingham Palace Road. They were taken to hospital.

Then at 8.27am, they received another call about two people injured by horses at Belgrave Square, and they were also taken to hospital.

Finally, a third call was made at 8.35am. A fourth person was found injured on the junction between Chancery Lane and Fleet Street and taken to hospital.

11.40am - Potential explanation for why the horses were loose revealed

The BBC reports that noise from builders in Belgravia might have caused horses from the Household Cavalry to spook and unseat their riders.

The London Ambulance Service said in a statement: "We were called at 8:25am today (April 24) to reports of a person being thrown from a horse on Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W.

“We sent resources to the scene including ambulance crews, a paramedic in a fast response car, and an incident response officer.

“Our first paramedic was on the scene in five minutes.

“The incident is still ongoing and we are working with our emergency services partners."

LADbible has contacted the Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service for further comment.