POLICE have arrested a man in his 20s following a crash in Newent which led to a horse being put to sleep.

Gloucestershire Police have taken the unusual step of confirming that this is the only arrest in connection with the incident which happened on Monday, March 7, following allegations made online by members of the public.

The horse received veterinary treatment following the collision in Clifford’s Mesne lane at around 4pm on March 7 but had to be euthanased because of the injuries it sustained.

A man from the Ross area was arrested in connection with the incident following a police appeal for information.

He was arrested on Thursday (March 10) on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an incident and perverting the course of justice.

He has been released under investigation, pending further enquiries.

Police issued an appeal following the incident to identify the driver who did not stop at the scene,

The 19-year-old woman who was riding the horse was thrown from her mount and required medical treatment.

She was later released from hospital and is recovering but Gloucestershire Police say she is extremely upset by the ordeal.

In a statement released on Friday (March 11), a spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police said: “We understand the upset and anger this incident has caused within the local community and wider close-knit horse-riding community.

“We are aware of comments made online about an arrest having happened prior to this update, but we can confirm this information was incorrect.

“The only arrest made in connection with this incident is this one and as the incident remains subject to an ongoing investigation we ask people to not post any information online which could potentially hinder this process.”