HORSES were killed after two lorries collided on a busy Hampshire road.

A trailer carrying ten horses was in a collision with another lorry on the eastbound carriageway of the A303 near Thruxton just before 4pm yesterday.

Drivers are expected to face delays this morning as the Highways Agency carries out roadside repairs.

The eastbound carriageway is still closed and is expected to reopen at 8am.

Hampshire animal rescue specialists and fire crews rescued seven horses, but one was killed and two others had to be put down at the scene.

The trailer containing the horses ended up on its side and three animal rescue specialists worked with vets to sedate the animals and remove them one by one.

A total of seven horses survived and were taken to a veterinary hospital.

The drivers of the two vehicles were not seriously harmed in the incident.

Animal specialist watch manager Jim Green said: “This was one of the most difficult and challenging animal rescues we have been called to in Hampshire.

“Generally we get called to deal with the rescue of one animal so to deal with 10 horses in one incident was significant.

“We quickly put a plan in place and our crews managed to cut away part of the back door of the trailer. We were able to corral each of the animals out of the trailer and triage them as they exited.”

Fire crews from Andover, Winchester, Brockenhurst, Eastleigh and Lyndhurst helped in the rescue.

Hampshire Police are investigating the incident and anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact the Roads Policing Unit at Whitchurch on 101.