Police horses return to streets

The mounted section in Essex was scrapped in 1999

Police horses return to the streets of Essex this week for the first time in eight years.

The new mounted unit, which will eventually have eight horses and nine police officers, will be officially launched in Chelmsford on Thursday.

The mounted unit was axed in 1999 due to budget cuts.

Essex Police Authority chairman Robert Chambers said the horses increased public interest and confidence in the force as a whole.

Ch Cons Roger Baker said: "The mounted unit had a long and proud tradition within Essex Police until it was disbanded due to challenging budget cuts in 1999.

"I welcome back the new mounted unit, which looks set to be one of the key initiatives Essex Police has been involved with in recent years."