A horse had to be put down after it was hit by a car on a busy road on the outskirts of Norwich.

Police received reports last night (Saturday) that two horses were running against the traffic on the westbound A47 close to the Longwater Lane junction in Costessey.

At 7.50pm a driver contacted police to say they had hit one of the horses, and although they were unharmed, the horse was in a bad way. Police said a passing vet stopped their vehicle and put the horse down, while the other animal was captured.

Drivers faced delays while the situation was tackled and the road was closed for a while, with witnesses saying a tarpaulin was placed over the dead animal.

Police said the road was completely re-opened by 9.40pm.