A HORSE went on the rampage through busy city centre traffic during Monday's rush hour.

Nobody was hurt, but two cars were damaged as the startled animal bucked on Barley Cop Lane and Slyne Road.

It was last seen running at high speed towards Skerton Bridge, causing drivers to swerve out of its way.

Scores of motorists and pedestrians reported seeing the ' lighter than chestnut' brown animal - said to be young and about 15 hands high - pulling a trap along the streets.

Some passers by tried to calm the clearly distressed animal down while two motorists were seen giving chase to it.

There has been no sign of the horse - or its owner - since the incident, which took place at around 5.30pm on Monday evening, a time when many drivers were returning home from work in the city centre.

Police say no-one appears to have seen the owner of the horse.

One motorist said: "The horse looked terrified and was running at full speed, still attached to its harness and cart, which was being thrown about.

"Cars were having to swerve out of the way at the last minute and I was very concerned that either the horse or a passer by could be seriously hurt."

A Land Rover Discovery car and a Ford Sierra were both damaged during the incident, but neither car is a write-off.

Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of the horse or its owner is asked to contact Lancaster police on 01524 63333.