A dramatic chase unfolded in the heart of Blackburn town centre when a mounted police officer and his horse pursued and apprehended a wanted man through a busy high street in broad daylight. The incident, captured on police bodycam footage, shows how traditional mounted policing remains an effective tool even in modern urban environments.
Lancashire Police confirmed that Ben Cottam, 41, who was wanted on recall to prison, attempted to flee when challenged by officers but was quickly overtaken by horse and rider. The episode drew public attention not only because of the unusual nature of the chase, but also because it highlighted the continued operational value of police horses in crowd-heavy town centres.
A Familiar Face Spotted in the Town Centre
The incident occurred on Northgate in Blackburn, a central area typically crowded with shoppers and pedestrians. PC Loder and his police horse, PH Rufford, were carrying out routine mounted patrols when they noticed a man they immediately recognised. According to Lancashire Police, the individual was Ben Cottam, a man of no fixed address who was wanted on recall to prison. Officers described him as a “very familiar face”, indicating prior dealings with local law enforcement and existing knowledge of his status.
Mounted patrols are often deployed in town centres because of the elevated visibility they provide, allowing officers to scan large areas and spot individuals of interest more easily than on foot or in vehicles. In this case, that advantage proved decisive. Once PC Loder identified Cottam, he approached and instructed him to stop. Rather than complying, Cottam chose to run, weaving through the town centre in an apparent attempt to evade capture.
Bodycam footage from the mounted officer recorded the moment the suspect darted away, triggering an immediate pursuit. Shouts of “Ben, stop!” can be heard as the officer urged him to halt. The presence of pedestrians added complexity to the chase, requiring precise control and situational awareness from both officer and horse. Despite the crowded setting, the mounted unit moved swiftly and decisively.
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Lancashire Police later stated that Cottam “didn’t stand a chance against horse and rider”, a reflection of how quickly PH Rufford closed the distance. Within moments, the suspect was visibly struggling to maintain his pace as the horse cantered down the high street, carefully navigating around members of the public.
Bodycam Footage Captures the Chase
The bodycam footage released by Lancashire Police provides a clear and dramatic perspective of the pursuit. It shows the suspect sprinting ahead while the mounted officer follows at speed, the horse’s hooves echoing against the pavement as it passes shops and startled pedestrians. The footage underscores the unique advantages of mounted policing, particularly in environments where vehicles cannot easily manoeuvre and foot chases may be slowed by crowds.
Police horses are trained extensively for urban patrols, including desensitisation to noise, sudden movements, and close proximity to people. PH Rufford’s calm but rapid response during the chase demonstrated that training in practice. Despite the commotion, the horse maintained a steady line, allowing the officer to focus on directing the pursuit and issuing clear verbal commands.
As the chase continued, it became apparent that Cottam was tiring. Lancashire Police said he quickly realised the futility of attempting to outrun a police horse, especially one already at full canter. The footage shows the gap narrowing rapidly before the horse and rider draw level with the suspect. The arrest itself was swift. Once caught, Cottam was restrained by the officer and taken into custody without further incident. There were no reports of injuries to the suspect, the officer, or members of the public, and police confirmed that the operation was concluded safely despite the busy surroundings.
The footage has since circulated widely online, attracting significant attention and commentary. Many viewers expressed surprise at the speed and precision of the mounted unit, while others noted how rarely such chases are seen in modern policing footage. For Lancashire Police, the video served as a demonstration of both effective policing and the enduring relevance of mounted officers.
Arrest, Remand, and the Role of Mounted Policing
Following his arrest, Ben Cottam was taken to police custody for processing. After a short stint in custody, he was remanded to HMP Preston, where he will remain in connection with his recall to prison. Police confirmed that the recall related to previous matters, though no further details were released.
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Lancashire Police used the opportunity to highlight the work of their mounted section, praising both the officer and the horse involved. In a light-hearted statement, the force said PH Rufford was “far too hot to trot” for the fleeing suspect and later enjoyed a well-earned rest. They added that the horse was “tucked up in his stable with a carrot or two for a job well done”, before jokingly describing the operation as “some ah-neigh-zing work”.
While the humour attracted attention, the underlying message was clear: mounted policing remains an important asset. Police horses offer height, mobility, and presence that can be critical in crowd control, public order situations, and pursuits through areas inaccessible to vehicles. They are particularly valuable in town centres, parks, and event spaces where foot traffic is heavy.
The incident also came in the context of heightened awareness around the risks faced by police horses. It followed previous bodycam footage released last year showing an out-of-control dog attacking terrified police horses in a park, an incident that raised concerns about animal safety during operations. Against that backdrop, the successful and injury-free conclusion of the Blackburn chase was viewed positively within policing circles.
Lancashire Police have not indicated whether any further charges will be brought against Cottam beyond matters related to his recall. The force did, however, emphasise that the arrest demonstrated effective coordination, training, and judgement by the mounted officer involved.
For residents and passers-by who witnessed the chase, the sight of a galloping police horse pursuing a suspect down a high street was an unusual and memorable moment. For the police, it served as a practical example of how traditional methods continue to play a role alongside modern technology. The bodycam footage, now widely shared, provides a rare glimpse into mounted policing in action and reinforces why police horses remain a visible and effective presence on Britain’s streets.