New hooved officers patrol city streets

Two new police horses have been out on patrol in a Wolverhampton neighbourhood.

West Midlands Police have deployed the four-hooved officers as part of Operation Redfox - aimed at targeting violence and serious organised crime in the city.

The horses were in Whitemore Reans on Wednesday, allowing officers to be highly visible in hotspot areas, said the force.

This includes in and around the city centre, Whitmore Reans, East Park, Heath Town, Bilston and Dunstall.

Police have issued a range of rules to members of the public when the horses are nearby.

The force said people should always ask permission to approach the horse and follow the officer's instruction.

Horses should be approached from the side or front only, so people can be seen.

"Move slowly, calmly and confidently and avoid tight spaces", the force said.

Once you have been seen always stand to the side of the horse, never directly in front or immediately behind it.

"Only touch the horse with clean hands, if invited by its rider," the force said. "You must wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after touching the animal."

In further rules:

• Children must be always accompanied by an adult when near the horses
• Dogs must be on a lead, under control and kept well away from the animals
• Drivers must follow the Highway Code and drive slowly, giving plenty of room and be ready to stop. You must not sound your horn, rev your engine or quickly accelerate away once you have passed the animal
• Drones must not be flown near to the horses
• You must only touch the rider in an emergency. You may be committing a criminal offence if you touch the rider in any other circumstances

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