Police horses drafted in for Coventry City's first home game of season

[dutchman]

Horses will be deployed for what will be a repeat of last season's play-off semi-final



Police horses are being drafted in for Coventry City's first home game of the season to help West Midlands Police grapple with a hectic weekend of football. Thames Valley Police is loaning its colleagues in the West Midlands four police horses for Saturday's game against rivals Middlesbrough, a repeat of last season's play-off semi-final.

The force said the use of horses would help it better structure resources with Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion and Walsall also playing at home on Saturday. Their deployment, supported by Sky Blues bosses, will also enable WMP to 'maintain a visible policing presence across all games'.

Football commander, Superintendent Jack Hadley, said: "Like every fan in the region we're delighted to see football back following the summer break. The fixture list has given us a busy start with neighbours Albion, Blues, Coventry and Walsall all playing at home.

"We decided to recruit police horses after considering the best - and most cost-effective - way of ensuring we could police all the fixtures. Our primary focus is to ensure people can safely attend and enjoy their team's first home game of the season.

"We've not used horses to help at football fixtures for a long time and we're grateful to Coventry City for their support in us bringing them in. I’m sure they will be a welcome addition and make a great photo opportunity for fans.

"If this approach proves successful in supporting our policing plans they could become a mainstay in the future." Sky Blues Chief Executive Dave Boddy said: "We’re supporting West Midlands Police with the trial of using horses to support their policing operation.

"We will work closely with them for this to be a success and to help ensure the safety of all supporters at matches."