HENRY, the shire horse who galloped through York city centre after breaking free of his carriage, has been taken off duties while licensing chiefs continue to investigate the incident.

An appeal has gone out for members of the public who saw the horse bolt to come forward and help in the probe by City of York Council, and licensing manager John Lacy says CCTV footage is to be trawled through for information.

He also revealed that the carriage driver, who was thrown to the ground near York Minster after the horse charged off on Sunday afternoon, suffered a fractured hip, but was due to be released from hospital yesterday.

He also stressed that a series of strict rules were in place to protect the welfare of such horses, including veterinary inspections, rest breaks and water stops.

Mr Lacy said he wished to give reassurance after receiving a stream of calls from people worried about their welfare.

A council spokeswoman said the incident started at 3.30pm last Sunday in Museum Street, and both the horse and carriage had been suspended from being used in the city pending the results of the investigation.

“The council’s licensing team is anxious to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident,” she said. “The investigating officer, Nigel Woodhead, can be contacted on (01904) 552520.”

The Press has reported previously how the horse ran down Goodramgate and through Monk Bar and down Monkgate before being caught by a member of the public in the Heworth area. Mr Lacy said it had been heading back to its stables.

He said Henry had given eight or nine years’ good service until the incident, and he was still trying to discover what had caused it to go on the run. He understood the horse had now gone “on holiday.” He said there had been speculation that a car backfiring or children innocently popping balloons might have spooked the animal.