Two loose horses have been seen running around central London, one of which appeared to be covered in blood.
The animals, wearing saddles and bridles, were seen running in the road near Aldwych on Wednesday morning.
Pictures and videos of the horses were shared on social media, one of which showed a black 4×4 with blue lights following the animals.
Police said they were working with the army to track down the animals.
The horses were later found in Limehouse, east London – about 6 miles away from where they were spotted on Buckingham Palace Road.
Horses found and contained – City of London police
City of London Police said two escaped horses have been contained after they were seen running around central London.
The force said officers were waiting for an army horse box to collect the animals and take them to a vet.
In a statement, police said: “At around 8.40am, we were called about horses that had become 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.”
Matt Mathers24 April 2024 10:37
Watch: Blood-soaked horses run loose in London after breaking free from Household Cavalry
Matt Mathers24 April 2024 10:36
Person, believed to a soldier, thrown from horse and injured
A person, believed to be a soldier, was thrown from one of the horses and injured
A London ambulance service spokesperson said: “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.”
Matt Mathers24 April 2024 10:32
Met Police searching for horses
The Metropolitan Police has said it is working with the army to locate the horses.
A spokesperson said: “We are aware of a number of horses on the loose in central London.
“We are working with colleagues in the Army to locate them.”
Matt Mathers24 April 2024 10:25
Buckingham Palace Rd closed
Buckingham Palace Road has been closed after the incident and a cordon remains in place, with a blue tarpaulin tent put in place around the injured soldier.
One of the horses has been spotted as far away as Shadwell, which is around 3.3 miles away from where the horses initially broke free.
Matt Mathers24 April 2024 10:23
Horses believed to have been spooked during daily morning exercise
The horses are believed to have become spooked during their daily morning exercise on Hoseguards Parade in Whitehall.
A witness told the Telegraph that they had seen a soldier fall to the floor after one of the horses ran into a car, with bystanders screaming as the animal raced towards them.
Bashir Aden, 48, a construction worker, said: “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.”
Matt Mathers24 April 2024 10:21
Blood-soaked Household Cavalry horses loose in central London injuring people and hitting cars
Loose Household Cavalry horses are causing mayhem in central London after running loose, with one appeared to be covered in blood.
Pictures and videos of one black horse show them colliding with a black cab, while pedestrians have been seen on the pavement with injuries.
Matt Mathers24 April 2024 10:18