OFFICERS from North Wales and Cheshire's Armed Policing Unit have paid their respects following the death of a horse at Notting Hill Carnival.

According to Metropolitan Police, the horse collapsed at around 9pm at the carnival on Sunday, August 28.

Officers provided emergency care, but the horse sadly died at the scene.

A statement from Met Police added: "It is too early to determine the cause of death. An investigation will now follow.

"Officers form a very close bond with the animals they serve alongside. Our thoughts are with all our mounted branch colleagues tonight."

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The North Wales and Cheshire Armed Policing Unit has today paid its respects to the horse and labelled the incident as 'awful'.

A statement from them read: "Our thoughts are with @MetTaskforce this morning following an awful event yesterday.

"Police animals work closely with numerous depts and the loss will be felt throughout the whole force. From all at Alliance Policing stay strong and know the Police family cares."

The annual Notting Hill Carnival - a two-day street festival - had returned for the first time since 2019 after a long hiatus due to the Covid pandemic.