A young girl was airlifted to hospital following a crash involving a Ford Transit van and a horse in Cornwall. Emergency services were called to Higher Treween, Altarnun, near Launceston at around 2.20pm on Sunday, January 12.
The eight-year-old horse-rider suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to hospital for treatment, Devon and Cornwall Police said. Unfortunately, the horse had to be put to sleep by vets at the scene.
Another girl, 12, who had been leading the horse was uninjured in the collision. Devon and Cornwall Police said a 61-year-old man from Launceston has been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop after a road traffic collision, failing to report a road traffic collision, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified. He remains in police custody.
Officers are now appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the crash. Anyone who saw what happened, or has dashcam footage which could aid enquiries, is asked to contact the force.
Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police investigating a serious road traffic collision near Launceston on Sunday 12 January are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. Officers were called to reports of a collision involving a white Ford Transit van and a horse, at Higher Treween, Altarnun, near Launceston, at around 2.20pm.
“The rider of the horse, an eight-year-old child, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to hospital for treatment. A 12-year-old girl who was leading the horse was uninjured. Unfortunately, the horse had to be humanely put to sleep by vets at the scene.
“The road was closed while the scene was investigated and was reopened at around 4.15pm.
“A 61-year-old man from Launceston has been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop after a road traffic collision, failing to report a road traffic collision, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified. He remains in police custody.
“If you witnessed the incident or have any information or dashcam footage that could help with enquiries, please contact police via our website here or by calling 101 quoting log 410 of 12/1/2025.”