Shocked pedestrians were thrown off guard when they spotted a police horse chasing down a man wanted on recall to prison as he tried to flee down a busy high street in Blackburn
This is the shocking moment a wanted man was chased down a busy high street by a police horse.
The dramatic dash unfolded after officers on patrol spotted a “very familiar face” wanted on recall to prison. A cop asked Ben Cottam, 41, of no fixed address, to stop – but instead he thought he could outrun the cops, prompting officers to chase after him.
Bodycam footage shows the unusual moment the suspect sprints off, in Blackburn, as a thundering set of hooves closes in behind him. The desperate cop can be heard shouting “Ben, stop!” while the horse gallops down the street, weaving past surprised onlookers.
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Lancashire Police said Cottam quickly realised he “didn’t stand a chance against horse and rider”. Moments later, the chase ends with the suspect giving up and being arrested.
Officers confirmed he was later remanded to HMP Preston after a short stay in custody. Meanwhile, the police horse was “tucked up in his stable with a carrot or two for a job well done”.
The force said: “On January 16, PC Loder and PH Rufford were out on patrol on Northgate in Blackburn when they caught sight of a very familiar face which happened to be that of Ben Cottam, 41, of no fixed address, who was wanted on recall to prison.
“PC Loder asked him to stop, but instead he thought he could easily out-run PH Rufford. Unfortunately for him, PH Rufford was far too hot to trot and instead cantered after him down the high street.
“Realising he didn’t stand a chance against horse and rider, Cottam came to a stop and we arrested him. He was later remanded to HMP Preston after a short stay in custody and PH Rufford was tucked up in his stable with a carrot or two for a job well done!”
