Trapped horses in rescue drama

A trapped horse was rescued by firefighters after becoming stuck while trying to clear 5ft high railings on a residential estate in Wolverhampton.The animal is one of nine that regularly roam the Bradley neighbourhood but no-one knows who the owners are.

Bilston watch commander Adrian Jones says they pose a danger to the public and has reported the situation to the city council.Residents raised the alert at 7.30am when the mare's hind legs became caught on the gate off Bradley Lane in Bilston.

Firefighters used a hand saw to cut through a section of wooden post to release the distressed animal but it refused to be led back to the field where it had been grazing.

Tipton firefighter Paul Harpin, aged 40, offered carrots and apples given by residents but the horse would not budge.

The crews had to cut the gate off its hinges in order to return the mare to the pasture after an hour-long drama watched by residents.

Great-grandmother Sheila Bullows, aged 67, who contacted the emergency services, said: "We have a constant problem with horses roaming the streets here."