This is the moment mounted officers react in panic as a dog bites a police horse's legs in London.

The mare named Yvonne and the gelding named Snaffles were being ridden by Sergeant Leon Astley and Police Constable Grace Miller-McCormack when the incident occurred at Shepherd's Bush Green.

The aggressive canine began chasing the horses and repeatedly attempted to bite their legs on Monday, April 28.

The pet owner struggled to regain control, prompting bystanders to intervene and assist.

Officials confirmed that both mounts sustained minor injuries while the officers were unharmed.

Sergeant Leon said: 'What should have been a routine patrol turned out to be unexpectedly eventful, where our hardworking police horses were sadly injured in the course of their duty. Fortunately, Yvonne and Snaffles are recovering well and are being looked after in their stables.

'We know horses are not a common sight in the capital but we urge all owners to keep their dogs under control to prevent this happening again.'

The pooch was seized at the scene but later returned to its handler. No arrests were made.

Yvonne is a 13-year-old police horse, known for her large ears, and has been in service since October 2020.

While 15-year-old Snaffles is a veteran of the Mounted Branch's Olympia show and has assisted in public order policing across central London.

Police advise dog owners to keep their pets on a lead if they do not respond reliably to verbal commands.