Man arrested after dramatic Lancashire Police horse chase through Blackburn town centre
A man was arrested after being chased by an officer on horseback through Blackburn town centre.
Ben Cottam, 41, was wanted on recall to prison when he was spotted by a mounted police officer patrolling the streets on January 16.
He was asked to stop in Northgate but fled on foot, prompting the officer and his horse to give chase.
Cottam was caught, arrested and remanded to HMP Preston.
Lancashire Police have since shared bodycam footage of the dramatic chase on social media.
The force said: “On January 16, PC Loder and PH Rufford were out on patrol on Northgate in Blackburn when they caught sight of a very familiar face which happened to be that of Ben Cottam, 41, of no fixed address, who was wanted on recall to prison.
“PC Loder asked him to stop, but instead he thought he could easily out-run PH Rufford.
“Unfortunately for him, PH Rufford was far too hot to trot and instead cantered after him down the high street.
“Realising he didn’t stand a chance against horse and rider, Cottam came to a stop and we arrested him.
“He was later remanded to HMP Preston after a short stay in custody and PH Rufford was tucked up in his stable with a carrot or two for a job well done!”