Police had to catch a runaway horse after it escaped down Harrogate Road, in Greengates.

The horse was reported by shocked motorists as it galloped down the middle of the road towards the crossroads at Newline yesterday morning.

With the help of a passer-by with horse handling experience, police officers finally managed to catch up with the four-legged escapee and keep it safe in a nearby front garden until its owner turned up soon after to claim it.