PICTURED: Met Police horse who died at Notting Hill Carnival is named

PICTURED: Met Police horse who died after collapsing at Notting Hill Carnival is named as 14-year-old chestnut gelding with ‘impeccable’ career who ‘loved nuzzling in pockets for treats’ – as force says it is ‘too early’ to determine a cause of death

• Police Horse (PH) Sandown collapsed at around 9pm and died at the scene
• He has been described as as playing ‘an integral role in helping to police London’
• PH Sandown was experienced, courageous and ‘a pro’, according to the Met 
• Last night, the force confirmed news of the horse’s death ‘with great sadness’

A police horse who died after collapsing while on duty at Notting Hill Carnival yesterday evening has been named as Police Horse (PH) Sandown alongside a picture of him.

The 14-year-old chestnut gelding, who stood 16 hands high, has been described as one of the Metropolitan Police’s most experienced horses, having served an ‘impeccable’ seven years in the force.

The Met added, ‘PH Sandown was also an affectionate character who was full of personality. He loved his food and was always nuzzling in pockets looking for treats.’

PH Sandown collapsed at around 9pm and, despite officers providing emergency care, died at the scene.

A police horse who died after collapsing while on duty at Notting Hill Carnival yesterday evening has been named as Police Horse (PH) Sandown alongside a picture of him

Police officers watch on as thousands roam the streets of Notting Hill in west London today – the second day of the carnival

A dancer is pictured performing for ‘riot’ police as they wait with their packed lunches

Last night, the force confirmed the news of the horse’s death ‘with great sadness’ on social media and announced the launch of an investigation into the cause.

While it is too early at this stage to determine cause of death, it did today describe the animal’s death as a ‘sudden passing’.

The force described PH Sandown as playing ‘an integral role in helping to police London’.

The Met said PH Sandown had been gifted to the force in 2015, quickly winning over officers due to his good nature.

London’s Notting Hill Carnival, the largest street carnival in Europe, returns to the capital after a break due to the Covid pandemic

A carnival reveller wears a pharaoh outfit with a whistle in his mouth as thousands walk the streets of the west London this afternoon

Thousands of people throng the west London streets yesterday as they followed the parade or simply celebrated being together

He was the go-to horse to help new officers grow in confidence as they went through their training.

The Met said the horse was ‘a pro at policing all types of events across London’, adding: ‘He demonstrated his bravery and courageousness at numerous football fixtures.’

The force reported PH Sandown was also selected to perform at the Mounted Activity Ride at Olympia and the Mounted Musical Ride.

It went on to say: ‘PH Sandown was a massive part of the Mounted Branch family and was loved dearly. He will be sorely missed by all.’

The Met added that, while it is too early at this stage to determine a cause of death, a post-mortem is under way.

Musicians blow trumpets while dancers strut their moves, dressed in traditional Caribbean clothing in colourful prints

Some 13 steel bands, 72 mast bands, six Brazilian bands, 36 sound systems and 300 stalls are involved in this year’s festival return

Performers pose at the annual Notting Hill Carnival in West London today as thousands of people descend on the area

Notting Hill Carnival returned to the streets of West London yesterday following a three-year hiatus forced by coronavirus.

Dancers dressed in colourful feathered outfits headed out to enjoy the second day of the festival today, known as the ‘Adults Day Parade and Carnival’ and running from 10.30am until 8.30pm.

Some 13 steel bands, 72 mast bands, six Brazilian bands, 36 sound systems and 300 stalls are involved in this year’s event.

Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street carnival in Europe and an estimated two million people are expected to attend over the course of the Bank Holiday weekend.

The carnival first started in 1966, when about 1,000 people attended, and is famous for its celebration of Afro-Caribbean traditions.

A 72-second silence was held during the afternoon in tribute to the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy. Pictured is a ‘Justice for Grenfell’ banner

Performers pose before the start of the annual Notting Hill Carnival in West London this morning

Carnivalgoers put on a colourful display as the carnival weaved its wave through the streets of Notting Hill this afternoon 

Notting Hill Carnival attendees dressed in yellow and black take part in Europe’s biggest street party this afternoon 

Yesterday, the weather in Notting Hill was a warm, as partygoers enjoyed sunshine dotted with clouds for ‘family day’, which saw bright and dazzling costumes as the carnival procession made its way along the streets.

The day kicked off with members of the Emancipated Run Crew – dressed in green in tribute to those who died at Grenfell – beginning the parade and marking the official launch of Notting Hill Carnival.

A 72-second silence was held during the afternoon in tribute to the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy.

A bus stop also collapsed near the end of yesterday’s festivities when a group of revellers danced on its roof. A huge crowd watching people on top of the Kensal House bus shelter on Ladbroke Grove were heard to gasp and exclaim in shock as the top gave way and the revellers fell onto the pavement, nearly crushing four people below.

Two people suffered minor injuries but did not need further treatment after the incident.

Meanwhile, one video showed two men punching each other before being pulled apart by others, after people around them were dancing and singing ‘Don’t Worry About A Thing’ to Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds.

Scotland Yard also revealed today that officers had made 76 arrests as of 7am this morning – including 19 for assault, four for sexual assault and grievous bodily harm and ten for possession of an offensive weapon. 

The total number of arrests at the 2019 event was 353, compared to 374 in 2018, 313 in 2017 and 454 in 2016.

The Metropolitan Police said the most recent carnival in 2019 cost the force £8.6million to police. The festival does however bring hundreds of thousands of tourists into London and creates an estimated £120million for the economy.

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