Mounted police busy since return to beat

Police horses reintroduced to the West Midlands beat after a 26-year absence have spent their first weeks back on duty helping to search for missing children, tackling drug dealing and patrolling busy city centres.

West Midlands Police said its mounted unit had been active across the region since the start of December, including operations in Walsall, Sandwell, Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry.

Other duties have included assisting a crackdown on illegal electric bike riding and policing football matches.

Sgt Alex Hadley said the public's reaction had been overwhelmingly positive.

"People's response to us has been phenomenal," he said.

"They've been so happy to see the horses and to speak to our officers who've been explaining the ways in which we'll be using the horses in their area."

He said officers had also spoken to hundreds of motorists about how to respond safely when encountering horses on the road.

Drivers are required to slow to 10mph, leave at least two metres when overtaking and follow instructions given by mounted officers.

Sgt Hadley said many drivers locally were unfamiliar with seeing horses on the road.

"Our aim is to engage and educate drivers first, but we will always enforce the law when safety is compromised," he said.

The unit has also worked with bus companies and council vehicle drivers to reinforce safety guidance.

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