Concern over horse and cart convoy after collision

It came as what was described as a ‘convoy’ of the carts made their way down the Garvaghy Road and out to the hospital roundabout.

The footage was taken close to the Seagoe Hotel shortly after 3.30pm and shows the moment the cart and a car came into contact and the motorist’s quick manoeuvre in an effort to stop the cart travelling on.

According to a witness: “The convoy came down the Garvaghy Road then turned towards the hospital - seemed to be young children mainly riding but I noticed a few men who were riding and drinking beer. At the same time, these two guys hit a man’s car so I started to record; then I captured a young girl hitting another car.

“The driver then drove in front of the horse and got out and tried to stop the girl from riding away.”

A number of our Facebook readers expressed their concerns about the ‘convoy’.

Sam Preston said, “They passed me on the Bann River bridge. They were cutting up drivers and passing on the wrong side of the road at ‘The Worx’ shop.”

Laura Cully Brown said she had seen about 20 of them going past the rugby club.

Kyle Ruddell asked, “Whose insurance is going to cover the damage? I would also be interested to know if the Parades Commission had been informed in the correct manner prior to this ‘convoy’ taking place.”

The Parades Commission confirmed no notifications were received in relation to processions in Portadown on July 24. Un-notified parades are a matter for the PSNI to investigate, they said.

Police in Portadown are appealing for information following the collision. A spokesperson said: “Around 3.40pm a collision, involving a black Vauxhall Astra and horse and cart, occurred on Upper Church Lane. Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or has information in relation to this incident and can be contacted in Portadown on 101, quoting ref: 744 240715.”