A HORSE has died after being hit by a van.

Police were called to reports of a collision involving a van and a horse at Tunstall, near Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, just before 6.45am today.

Officers believe the horse escaped from a nearby paddock and roamed onto the road – nobody was riding it at the time.

Police requested a vet but the horse died before a vet could arrive.

The Citroen Berlingo van was badly damaged and the driver was shaken up but is not thought to be seriously injured.

Officers are currently trying to trace the owner of the animal.