Horse Tragically Euthanized as Young Girl Suffers in 'Hit-and-Run' Incident in Cornwall
As a community rallies for information, the police hold a suspect for serious traffic offenses
In a tragic turn of events on Sunday, a hit-and-run incident in Higher Treween, Altarnun, near Launceston, left an eight-year-old girl severely injured, and tragically resulted in the death of the horse she was riding.
The girl, who was involved in a collision with a white Ford Transit van, has been airlifted to a hospital due to the severity of her injuries.
Devon and Cornwall Police, the regional enforcement authority, was called to the scene at approximately 2:20 PM following reports of the collision.
According to the initial findings released by the Police, the incident specifically involved the van making contact with the horse, culminating in critical injuries to both the young rider and the horse.
Fortunately, a 12-year-old who was leading the horse during the ride did not sustain any injuries.
The horse's injuries were deemed so severe that veterinarians on-site made the difficult decision to euthanize the animal at the scene.
The incident has spurred an emotional response from the local community, emphasizing the importance of road safety and responsible reporting.
Police efforts to trace and apprehend those responsible bore fruit as a 61-year-old man from Launceston was subsequently detained.
Authorities confirmed his arrest on multiple charges, including failing to stop after a road traffic collision, failing to report a road traffic collision, dangerous driving, and operating a vehicle while disqualified.
The individual remains in police custody as the investigation continues.
Law enforcement appeals have been issued for witnesses to come forward, particularly those with dashcam footage that might shed light on the circumstances leading up to the harrowing event.
Those with potential information are urged to communicate with Devon and Cornwall Police, either through their official website or by telephoning 101, and reference log number 410 of January 12, 2025. This case underscores the perennial challenge of road safety and the need for vigilance both from drivers and local authorities in rural settings across the United Kingdom.
The girl, who was involved in a collision with a white Ford Transit van, has been airlifted to a hospital due to the severity of her injuries.
Devon and Cornwall Police, the regional enforcement authority, was called to the scene at approximately 2:20 PM following reports of the collision.
According to the initial findings released by the Police, the incident specifically involved the van making contact with the horse, culminating in critical injuries to both the young rider and the horse.
Fortunately, a 12-year-old who was leading the horse during the ride did not sustain any injuries.
The horse's injuries were deemed so severe that veterinarians on-site made the difficult decision to euthanize the animal at the scene.
The incident has spurred an emotional response from the local community, emphasizing the importance of road safety and responsible reporting.
Police efforts to trace and apprehend those responsible bore fruit as a 61-year-old man from Launceston was subsequently detained.
Authorities confirmed his arrest on multiple charges, including failing to stop after a road traffic collision, failing to report a road traffic collision, dangerous driving, and operating a vehicle while disqualified.
The individual remains in police custody as the investigation continues.
Law enforcement appeals have been issued for witnesses to come forward, particularly those with dashcam footage that might shed light on the circumstances leading up to the harrowing event.
Those with potential information are urged to communicate with Devon and Cornwall Police, either through their official website or by telephoning 101, and reference log number 410 of January 12, 2025. This case underscores the perennial challenge of road safety and the need for vigilance both from drivers and local authorities in rural settings across the United Kingdom.
