A police horse collapsed and died while on duty at Notting Hill Carnival, the Metropolitan Police has announced.

The force paid tribute to ‘affectionate’ horse Sandown for his ‘bravery and courageousness’.

The 14-year-old was one of the Met’s most experienced horses and had policed ‘all types of event’ across London.

But his seven years of service since – which began after being presented to the force in 2015 – came to a tragic end on Sunday with his sudden death.

The animal was said to be so good-natured that he was the ‘go-to horse’ for mounted branch officers starting their training.

A Met Police statement said: ‘It is with great sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Police Horse (PH) Sandown, who collapsed on Sunday August 28 at Notting Hill Carnival.

‘PH 149 Sandown was a 14-year-old chestnut gelding who stood 16 hands high.

‘He played an integral role in helping to police London. He was one of the Met’s most experienced horses, with an impeccable seven-year police career.’

A post-mortem examination is under way to determine the cause of the horse’s death but it was a hot day on Sunday.

The event passed off in mostly good spirits and peacefully but there have been 209 arrests over the weekend and one father-to-be was stabbed to death.

A woman also gave birth at the carnival.

The tribute to Sandown continued: ‘PH Sandown was gifted to the Met in 2015 and his good nature quickly won over officers. He was the go-to horse to help new officers grow in confidence as they went through their training.

‘A pro at policing all types of events across London, he demonstrated his bravery and courageousness at numerous football fixtures whilst also being selected to perform at the Mounted Activity Ride at Olympia, and the Mounted Musical Ride.’

The statement said the horse was ’loved dearly’ and would be ‘sorely missed’.

‘Police horses are working animals, but PH Sandown was also an affectionate character who was full of personality’, it added.

‘He loved his food and was always nuzzling in pockets looking for treats.’

Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected]. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.

Source: Read Full Article