A police horse has died following a ‘tragic accident’ while on duty in Blackpool.
The horse, called Morecambe, slipped and fell against some metal barriers at a pedestrian crossing on Seasiders Way on Monday, Lancashire Constabulary has confirmed.
The incident took place after the Blackpool vs Fleetwood football fixture at around 5.20pm.
Chief Inspector Sue Bushell of Lancashire Constabulary’s Mounted branch, said: “We are all completely devastated by the loss of Morecambe in such tragic circumstances.
“The horses are a big part of our police family and Morecambe will be sorely missed by his riders and many colleagues from across the force.
“Our thoughts remain with our injured colleague at this extremely difficult time.”
As a result of the fall, the horse suffered a serious injury to his stomach and was later pronounced dead at the scene, despite receiving urgent medical attention from a vet.
Blackpool FC tweeted condolences and extended well wishes to the rider, who was taken by air ambulance to Royal Preston Hospital with some injuries.
It is believed he fell into the side of a horse box after Morecambe was injured.
A force spokesperson said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, describing it as a “tragic accident”.
HuffPost UK has contacted the hospital for an update on the rider’s condition.