A runaway horse stopped traffic today after galloping across a roundabout in Ashford.

The black and white cob was first spotted in busy Malcolm Sargent Road happily grazing on the long grass at around 11.30am.

Seeing the loose animal, driver Katherine Alsop, from Ashford, stopped her car along the road and immediately called the police.

However after being spooked by passing traffic, the pony took off in the direction of the Bad Munstereifel roundabout, causing drivers to hit the brakes in an attempt not to hit him.

The horse then trotted onto the middle of the roundabout and continued to munch on the grass.

After a second driver attempted to try and catch him on the roundabout using rope, the horse then darted off, again in the direction of Malcolm Sargent Road.

Luckily, a third driver, Marie Lawrence, pulled her car over and, with a headcollar, lead-rope and food she had in her car, managed to catch the pony and led him to safety.

Ms Lawrence said: “I own two little ponies for my children so I am experienced with horses. I knew I had food and a rope in my car so thought I would be able to catch him.”

Shortly after the horse was caught, the police turned up.

Ms Alsop, who phoned for the police, added: “I drove past the horse and couldn’t not help. I tried to stop the traffic so he wouldn’t be hit by a car. I can’t believe some cars just drove past without even slowing down.”

After about 20 minutes, the horse’s owner turned up and led him back to a field.