Police have praised an 'amazing effort' and community spirit after a horse broke loose in Hartshorne and was running in among traffic.

The animal was spotted on Ticknall Road at around 6am today (Monday).

Police were called but they also thanked members of the public who warned other road users to slow down to avoid the frightened horse,

A post on the Swadlincote Safer Neighbourhood Team Facebook page says: "The team just wanted to say a big thank you to all those that helped out this morning, true community spirit.

"We received a report from the public regarding a horse loose on Ticknall Road Hartshorne, at around 06:00hrs.The horse was very frightened and running in between the traffic.

"Several members of the public stopped and assisted in warning other road users to slow down. This amazing effort prevented serious harm to horse and public.

"Sergeant Nizzer, Sergeant Sherlock and Pc Boyer, who were on their way to work also stopped to assist.

"The horse was returned to a nearby field from where it had escaped, our local rural community helped us in locating the horse owner."