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Met Police horse collapses and dies during Notting Hill Carnival

Published 14:00 29 Aug 2022 BST

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Emergency services could not save the animal

An investigation has been launched after a police horse collapsed and died at Notting Hill Carnival on Sunday. The horse was part of a mounted unit keeping an eye on festival-goers as they headed home after the first day of celebrations in West London. The animal collapsed at around 9pm and was treated at the scene, but sadly could not be saved. An investigation will look into the cause of death, but police said it is currently too early to determine. https://twitter.com/MetPoliceEvents/status/1564018778370867202 It comes as video footage circulating social media shows the horrifying moment a bus shelter collapsed under the weight of multiple people dancing on it at the carnival. A number of people were also walking under the shelter when it collapsed, and one woman could be seen getting struck heavily on the head. Two people needed medical treatment, Met Police said, but thankfully, nobody was seriously injured. Warning: contains distressing c0ntent

It is the first time organisers have been able to successfully host Notting Hill Carnival since 2019, following a two-year hiatus as a result of the pandemic. [caption id="attachment_356139" align="alignnone" width="2048"] LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Performers process down the route during the Notting Hill carnival on August 28, 2022 in London, England. The Caribbean carnival returns to the streets of Notting Hill after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Performers process down the route during the Notting Hill carnival on August 28, 2022 in London, England. The Caribbean carnival returns to the streets of Notting Hill after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

The carnival returns to the streets of Notting Hill after a two-year hiatus (Image: Getty)[/caption]

A run kicked off Sunday's event, in memory of the 72 victims of the Grenfell Tower fire, followed by a 72-second silence which took place at 3pm. This silence is also due to take place at the same time on Monday.

An array of bands, DJs, dancing, costumes, food and fun events also make up a vibrant, two-day schedule, with over one million people expected to attend. [caption id="attachment_356138" align="alignnone" width="2048"] LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Performers process down the route during the Notting Hill carnival on August 28, 2022 in London, England. The Caribbean carnival returns to the streets of Notting Hill after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Performers process down the route during the Notting Hill carnival on August 28, 2022 (Image: Getty)[/caption] The first Notting Hill Carnival was put on by Rhuane Laslett in 1965, a Notting Hill resident who wanted to celebrate the diversity in her area. It has become the second biggest carnival in the world after the carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.