A HORSE which had got out onto a rural Oxenhope road after dark was struck by two vehicles so violently it was decapitated.

The accident happened on Moor Side Lane on the evening of Wednesday November 5.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said the black coloured horse had been on the road at about 7pm, and that two vehicles had been involved in the incident.

"A grey BMW Estate car travelling towards Penistone Hill hit the horse first, and then a second car travelling in the other direction also struck it," he said.

"The 51-year-old man driving the BMW was treated for shock at the scene, and was also taken to hospital to be treated for cuts. There was debris all over the road."

The police spokesman, and Moor Side Lane resident Mark Holmes confirmed that the horse had been decapitated.

Mr Holmes said he had gone to the scene of the accident after seeing emergency vehicle lights near his home while watching the village's bonfire display.

"It was a horrible sight," he added. "It was only about 100 to 150 yards from my house."