A taxi driver is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after his vehicle reportedly collided with a horse that had escaped from a nearby field.

The incident occurred at around 4.12am today, Friday, August 18, on the westbound carriageway of the A602 in Little Wymondley.

The driver was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, while the passenger was taken to hospital with serious, non-life-changing injuries.

The horse was put to sleep at the scene.

Police are appealing for witnesses, information and dash cam footage.

Sergeant Dan Newton, from the Road Policing Unit, said: "Our enquiries are continuing, and we are appealing for anyone with information to please come forward.

"If you were travelling in the area at the time and had a dash-cam fitted, please check it as you may have some crucial information to assist our enquiries.

"I would also like to thank the public’s patience as the road remained closed for several hours while our officers carried out crucial work at the scene."

You can also report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via the online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/66229/23.

Alternatively, you can stay anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.