A loose horse was killed after it was struck by two vehicles on the M65 in the early hours of yesterday morning (28 October).
The collisions were followed by another, involving three vehicles, near junction nine of the motorway. Lancashire Police said four people were injured in total.
“We were contacted at 2.34am today following a report that two horses were loose on the westbound carriageway of the M65 at Junction 9,” a Lancashire Police spokesperson said.
“Our officers attended the scene and were made aware that one of the horses had been fatally struck by two vehicles. A passenger in one of the vehicles suffered facial injuries.
“A second collision then occurred involving three vehicles, with three people suffering minor injuries.”
The spokesperson added that the second horse was caught and taken off the motorway safely.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
