It was a photo finish for three of Greater Manchester Police’s brave horses, who were crowned joint winners at last night’s Animal Hero Awards. 

Police horses Hexan, Captain and Tangle were honoured at the star-studded ceremony in London, hosted by Amanda Holden and attended by celebrities including Alesha Dixon and Brian May.Along with a former military dog called Rex, Hexan, Captain and Tangle were awarded joint Public Service Animal of Year for their bravery while working a football match between Manchester United and Liverpool in March.

When the game finished and the crowds began to exit the stadium, a group of fans made threats of violence, determined to reach opposing fans.

As the horses intervened to control the situation, they were targeted by the group who began to throw coins, smoke bombs and fireworks. The horses were then repeatedly shoved, punched and pelted with projectiles.

Leaping into action, Hexan, Captain and Tangle helped to push back the troublesome crowd, making sure that the missiles fell short of innocent fans leaving from nearby exits.

Sergeant Cara Charlesworth, one of the police riders that evening, said: “The courage that these three horses showed in what must have been a terrifying experience was amazing.

“They did not falter and repeatedly dealt with the crowd again and again when every one of their instincts should have been telling them to turn and run.

“What was also remarkable was that five minutes later the same three horses were stood out on the forecourt as if nothing had happened, letting small children and genuine fans stroke them and have photos taken, despite being violently attacked only minutes earlier.”

Hexan, Captain and Tangle were also nominated for their involvement with the evacuation of 75,000 fans during the bomb scare at Old Trafford in May.

Specialist Operations Inspector Susan Redfern, responsible for the Mounted Unit, said: “Congratulations to Hexam, Captain and Tangle for winning this thoroughly deserved award.

“With the support of their riders, Sergeant Charlesworth, PC Cassie Barratt and PC Aaron Wilson, they managed to make an extremely volatile situation stable.”

 When asked to comment on receiving their award, Hexan, Captain and Tangle responded: “It was neigh trouble!”

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