TWO horses sparked an early morning drama in Blakeney on Sunday, June 29 after they were spotted loose on the A48 near the Cock Inn pub.

The alarm was raised shortly before 7am when concerned motorists and local residents noticed the animals wandering dangerously close to traffic on one of the Forest’s busiest roads. One of the horses was reported to have a visible hernia, prompting additional concern for its welfare.

Police officers from the Forest of Dean Neighbourhood Policing Team were quickly dispatched to the scene. After a brief search, the animals were safely rounded up and contained in the grounds of Blakeney Youth Centre on Cinderford Road.

In a post on social media, police issued a public appeal to trace the owner, writing: Police received reports of two horses on the loose in Blakeney at around 7am this morning and we’re now trying to locate the owner. Officers managed to locate the animals and secure them in the grounds of Blakeney Youth Centre on Cinderford Road, so if they’re yours, please come and collect them.”

The appeal quickly gained traction online, with residents sharing the post in local community groups and offering suggestions as to where the horses might have come from.

Despite the dramatic setting, both animals remained calm throughout the incident and did not cause any known traffic collisions or injuries.

By mid-morning, the horses’ owner had been located and officers later confirmed that the animals were safely back home and thanked the public for their help.

Police have since urged livestock and horse owners to double-check the security of their fencing and gates, particularly after recent spells of unsettled weather which may have loosened fixings or caused damage to enclosures.

The story ends happily this time, but officers have reminded residents to report any sightings of animals on the road immediately.