A woman has told of the horror of having a runaway horse crash through her car window.

Linda Bicknell was driving her Citroen Picasso to church on April 3 when the terrified animal slammed into the front passenger door, smashing the glass and showering the inside with shards.

The 65-year-old said: “It was such a shock. The horse came completely out of the blue. I had no way of seeing it.

"I was in Scrapsgate Road and the horse came galloping out of Sunnyside Avenue.

"It just hit the car with an almighty bang. I learned later that a lady had been trying to restrain it but couldn't keep hold of it.

"The force of the collision knocked the horse out for 40 minutes. Then it tried to stand up.

"It fell back down, then got up again and ran off. It hit the car with such a force it must have jarred its neck."

Mrs Bicknell's 96-year-old friend was in the passenger seat at the time, and her 41-year-old daughter was in the back.

The Minster Broadway resident said: "We were on our way to church. I could see a woman waving us down but I couldn’t see why.

"We were only going about 9mph because it is a very tricky corner and a blind bend.

"The impact of the crash really shook my friend up, although she is all right now.

"Paramedics took her to Medway hospital to be checked over."

She continued: "Then a couple of ladies came over. The neighbours, police and ambulance crews were all excellent.

"A neighbour gave my friend a drink of water and brought out a seat for her to sit on. I’d like to thank everybody for their help."

She was able to drive her 2002-reg car back home but its bodywork is so badly damaged it is thought it will be an insurance write-off. The horse was spooked by an Alsatian called Rogues.

As reported last week, the dog, owned by Billy Street, had escaped from the family home in Petunia Avenue and chased two horses in Barton Hill Drive.

“I was just opening the front door when Rogues ran out so fast" - Billy Street

Mr Street said: "I was shouting at him to come back but he just kept going. I didn’t know what had happened until I had the police at my front door. I am just so sorry. It was an accident."

The horse involved in the accident, called Digby, was put down by a vet on Wednesday last week. The animal suffered two fractures in its neck, which left it with permanent injuries.

Its owner, who did not wish to be named, said: "It has been very emotional for us. I would like to thank all of the well-wishers."