POLICE are urging horse owners to keep their animals out of Bishop Auckland town centre during peak traffic times to avoid road accidents.

Officers from the town's police station were called to the town centre on Tuesday afternoon, following complaints from traders that a horse was being galloped along the main road.

Police went to the scene at the top of Newgate Street and saw about a dozen men gathered outside a pub. There was also a horse box at the rear of the property.

It is believed they were trying to sell the animal.

Inspector Ivan Wood said: "Although there was nothing illegal about the men's activities, traders and shoppers were obviously concerned.

"We would discourage anyone running a horse up and down a busy street for safety reasons -for traffic, shoppers, other members of the public, and, of course, for the horses and riders themselves."