A police horse which was on patrol at a football match has died after it was impaled by a metal pole.
The horse, named Morecambe, was on duty after the Blackpool v Fleetwood League One game on Bank Holiday Monday when it “came into contact” with the pole.
He suffered a serious injury to his stomach. Despite receiving urgent medical attention from a vet, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Meanwhile, Morecambe’s rider was also injured and was taken to hospital by an air ambulance for treatment.
Lancashire Police said there were no suspicious circumstances and that it was “a tragic accident”.
Ch Insp Sue Bushell, of the force'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.”
