Horses euthanised after tragic A52 incident

Credit: Emma Donnelly on behalf of the owners of the horses involved

Two horses have reportedly been euthanised after an incident on a busy road through the borough involving a number of vehicles.

On Sunday 15th February, traffic was stopped in both directions of the A52 between the A5111 and the M1 junction 25, after the animals got on to the carriageway.

A National Highways statement said that there had been a collision involving multiple vehicles and horses.  The road was reportedly re-opened at around 1:30pm.

A statement was posted on social media later in the day from an Emma Donnelly on behalf of the family which owned the horses.

It thanked everyone who helped and offered support during what was described as a “tragic incident”, and offered appreciation for kind words and patience whilst emergency services and vets attended the scene.

Thanks were also offered to those who directly helped, including drivers of cars, some of whom helped hold one horse, and a supermarket delivery driver who was hailed as having been “incredible” with a young girl. The family have appeared for that person to get in touch to be offered a personal note of gratitude.

The statement continued: “This was a tragic accident, and rumours or conspiracy theories are not helpful.”

It also moved to clarify the circumstances that unfolded which led to such a tragic end. It said: “The horses were in a safe and secure field but broke free when being brought in to their stables, and so no one, including horses, owners or anyone else is at fault.”

There was also an appeal to those that had shared the incident on line in any way to take the posts down in respect for the family who had lost the two male horses, and for space for them to be able to grieve, whilst also apologising for any lack of reply to those sending well-wishing and sympathetic messages.