Girl, eight, airlifted to hospital after van ploughed into her whereas she was driving a horse ‘then fled the scene’: Man, 61, arrested as animal must be put to sleep
An eight-year-old girl has been airlifted to hospital after a van ploughed into her while she was riding a horse before allegedly fleeing the scene.
The collision happened near Launceston, Cornwall, at around 2.20pm yesterday and involved a white Ford Transit van and the child on a horse.
The girl sustained serious injuries while the animal had to be humanely put to sleep by vets at the scene.
A 12-year-old girl who was leading the horse was thankfully uninjured in the ordeal.
The road at Higher Treween, Altarnun, was closed while the scene was investigated and was reopened at around 4.15pm.
The road at Higher Treween, Altarnun, was closed while the scene was investigated following the collision
A man, 61, 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.
Those who witnessed the incident or have any information or dashcam footage that could help with enquiries have been urged to contact Devon & Cornwall Police via their website or by calling 101 quoting log 410 of 12/1/2025.
