Horses killed when hit by trains
A group of horses were killed after colliding with two trains in Cambridgeshire yesterday evening (Wednesday, 19 November). Police are now appealing for information to try find their owner.
The British Transport Police (BTP) , Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue, and the ambulance service were called after the horses were struck by the trains at Fen Road level crossing in Milton (not pictured).
Sergeant David Barker, who is investigating, said: “We are very keen to find out who the horses belong to. At the moment it is not clear how many horses died in the incident, however, we believe that at least seven were killed.
“I also want to know how the horses came to be on the tracks. If anyone has any information, which they think that could help us in our investigations please get in touch.”
The breeds of the horses, which are believed to have come from the fields in the Fen Road area, are unknown.
More than 200 passengers were travelling on the trains involved. One lady was taken to hospital with minor injuries but was later discharged.
The trains were the cross country service from Cambridge to Birmingham, and another from Birmingham to Stansted Airport.
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One passenger described hearing “loud bang” and rattling before the train decelerated.
Paul Clarke from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service added: “Although there were no injuries following the collision a number of passengers were showing signs of distress.
“The crews opened the doors of the carriages to allow fresh air to circulate and distributed water to the passengers on board.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference ESUB/B2 of 20/11/14. Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.