Woman dies after horse bolts

Police in Lincolnshire are investigating the death of a woman who died from head injuries after her horse bolted while out riding with friends.

Heather Bell, 39, from Market Rasen, was riding along a bridleway near Manor Farm with two other riders at around 10am on Tuesday (10 June). A low-flying helicopter belonging to the Royal Air Force is believed to have spooked the horses, causing them to bolt.

Heather fell from her horse and suffered serious head injuries. She was immediately taken to Lincoln County hospital where she died in intensive care at lunchtime on Wednesday.

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence says: “Military police officers were investigating the possibility that the horses were spooked by aircraft but it has now been passed over to the civilian police authorities.”

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire police says: “We can confirm that we are investigating the incident and we are waiting for the coroner to open an inquest into her death.”

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