Girl, 8, in hospital and horse dies after crash

An eight-year-old girl was airlifted to hospital and a horse she was riding had to be put down after a crash with a van on Sunday.

The collision involving a white Ford Transit van left the girl with serious injuries at Higher Treween, Altarnun, near Launceston, at about 14:20 GMT. A 12-year-old girl who was leading the horse was uninjured.

Police said a 61-year-old man from Launceston was arrested and remained in police custody.

Devon and Cornwall Police is appealing for witnesses.

Police said the man was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop after a road traffic collision, failing to report a road traffic collision, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

"Unfortunately, the horse had to be humanely put to sleep by vets at the scene," the force said.

"The road was closed while the scene was investigated and was reopened at around 16.15 GMT."

Police asked anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact them through their website or by calling 101 quoting log 410 of 12/1/2025.

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