Police had to close the new A130 for more than three hours today after horses got on to the track and one was killed.

Up to six animals were first reported to be loose on the road near to the A132 junction between Wickford and South Woodham Ferrers at around 3.30am.

A horse and a car collided and the animal had to be put down by vets at the scene.

The driver suffered minor injuries. An Essex Police spokesman said: "To prevent further accidents we closed the road."

The road was reopened just after 7am once the dead horse and the others were removed by the RSPCA.

Police are still trying to trace the owners of the horses.

Published Monday, January 20, 2003

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