Police officer thrown from horse and injured (From The Northern Echo)

Police officer thrown from horse and injured

11:12am Tuesday 14th February 2012 in Middlesbrough News By Lucy Richardson

A POLICE officer is recovering in hospital after being thrown from his horse.

The male Cleveland Police officer, who has not been named, was riding Joey, who has only been with the department for a few weeks, when he reared up in fright.

The incident took place at around 4.15pm yesterday in Spencerbeck, near the Force Stables at Ormesby Hall in Middlesbrough.

The horse was on the loose for about 45 minutes before it trotted back to the stables.

The video above shows the mounted unit in action, chasing a speeding car.

Assistant Chief Constable, Sean White, said: “The force is rightly concerned that an experienced member of the Mounted Section was injured whilst patrolling last night in support of protecting local communities.

"Events of this nature are extremely rare, and in fact almost unheard of, police riders are trained to the highest of standards and on this occasion an experienced rider was working with a new horse, recently introduced to the Cleveland Police Mounted Section.

"A full review of the circumstances of the event is underway and any lessons learnt will be actioned as a matter of priority.

"I know that members of the public value enormously the presence of police horses within their community and whilst unfortunate, this incident will not have a significant or lasting impact upon the role that the Mounted Section play in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Finally, and most importantly, support is being provided to the officer who was injured and to his family.

"Messages of support from both within the force and from communities are being relayed to him to aid a speedy recovery."