A HORSE had to be rescued by firefighters after it bolted and got stuck in railings at a busy Poole junction.

The incident, which happened at around 2.30pm, saw firefighters, assisted by the animal rescue team, use hydraulic cutting equipment to help free the trapped animal.

The horse and cart were travelling along Broadstone Way, near Wessex Gate Retail Park, when the horse became spooked and bolted into the railing.

The man driving the cart was injured in the incident and taken to Poole Hospital.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said no other vehicle is believed to have been involved.

He added: "Recovery was arranged for the cart and a vet was called to check the horse over.

"It was later collected by its owners, and the road was fully open by around 4pm.

"There is damage to the railings which the horse went into, and the local authority has been called to deal with this."