Two horses seen bolting through London are in ‘serious condition’

Two horses seen bolting through London on Wednesday are in “serious condition”, a minister has said.

The Household Cavalry said the animals had been taking part in a routine exercise but were spooked by builders dropping rubble from a height right next to them.

Defence minister James Cartlidge told Sky News: “There were five horses. They have all been recovered.

“Three of them are fine, two of them are unfortunately in a relatively serious condition and obviously we will be monitoring that condition.”

He added: “They are in a serious condition, but as I understand, still alive.”

The two injured horses are named Vida and Quaker.

Four military service personnel were thrown from their horses on Wednesday as they ran, crashing into several vehicles as they made their way across the streets London.

Mr Cartlidge said the footage of the running horses, one of which appeared to be covered in blood, was “dramatic” but a “very exceptional event”.

He said about 150 horses are out exercising in London each day.

The group of seven horses and six soldiers from the Household Cavalry had been on an extended exercise in Belgravia when five of them got loose.

It is believed the animals got scared when concrete being moved by builders hit the ground close to them.

Four people were treated by ambulance for injuries on Buckingham Palace Road, Belgrave Square and Fleet Street.

Three soldiers were assessed in hospital for injuries, it is understood.

Two of the horses seen galloping near Aldwych were captured by police on the Highway near Limehouse, more than five miles from where they first bolted.