A HORSE had to be freed by firefighters after the trailer it was travelling in broke off and struck a large tree. 

Crews from Kidlington and Woodstock attended the incident near Cassington yesterday afternoon. 

READ AGAIN: Hundreds of animals rescued by firefighters in five years

A vehicle had been towing the trailer when its towbar broke completely, causing the box to leave the road and hit the tree.

Oxford Mail:

The trailer was left severely damaged and a large branch narrowly missed the horse inside, according to the fire service. 

Firefighters worked with the owner, and a specialist equine vet from Hook Norton Veterinary Group, to sedate the horse and then spent more than two hours trying to free it safely. 

Eventually it was released with minor injuries and passed on to the care of the owner to be transported on.

Oxford Mail:

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue said on its Facebook page: "Accidents whilst towing are rare but instances like this show the importance of not only checking your towing capacity, but also your towbar and towing equipment regularly."