A HORSE on the loose has forced a major UK motorway to grind to a halt – sparking travel chaos for commuters.
Drivers travelling on the M4 near Newbury, Berkshire, have been left with a long face after being warned of severe delays into the afternoon.
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National Highways said the rogue animal was causing a “significant safety risk” to motorists.
The black and white nag was spotted resting on the barrier between Junction 12, for Theale, and Junction 13, for Chieveley at around 10am.
It caused the busy stretch to close in both directions.
Writing on social media, some joked officers were “petting the horse” as it stood on the hard shoulder of the motorway.
One said: “I’m just behind the police car that stopped at 10am; there is a horse the other side of the barrier.
“55 mins later & there literally is STILL just 1 policeman just staring at the horse, now with miles of stationary traffic in both directions.
“I’m sure there’s a better solution.”
National Highways has since confirmed the horse has been safely removed from the carriageway.
In a stament, it said: “The horse has been safely moved from the side of the road, and the M4 is now OPEN in both directions between J12 and J13.
“Long delays remain in the area but should now start to ease. Thanks for your patience this morning.”
In the wake of the incident, heavy traffic has now built from J11 to J14 from Reading to Newbury.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
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The animal posed a ‘significant safety risk’ to drivers
