A HORSE had to be put down after it was hit by a car on a County Durham road.
The accident happened at Hargill Bank, between Howden-le-Wear and Witton-le-Wear, at about 3.40pm on Saturday.
The driver of the car was blinded by strong sunlight and collided with the horse, which was being ridden by its female owner, hitting it a glancing blow.
The car was badly damaged and had to be towed away, and the horse was so badly injured it had to be put down.
The driver of the car suffered no injuries, but the horse rider suffered bruising and was taken to Bishop Auckland General Hospital.
A spokesman for Bishop Auckland police said yesterday: "The vet decided to put the horse down at the scene because of the injuries it suffered.
"It was just a case of an accident when the driver was blinded by the sun.
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