Girl, 8, airlifted to hospital and horse she was riding killed after ‘hit and run’ horror as driver, 61, arrested

AN eight-year-old girl has been airlifted to hospital and a horse killed after a van crashed into them in a horror hit-and-run.

The tragic smash, involving a white Ford Transit van, unfolded in Launceston, Cornwall, at about 2.20pm on Sunday.

The youngster was airlifted to hospital, with serious injuries, from the scene, at Higher Treween, in Altarnun.

A 12-year-old girl who was leading the horse was uninjured in the crash.

Vets were required to put the horse down humanely after the incident.

Cops arrested a 61-year-old man, from Launceston, on suspicion of failing to stop after a road traffic collision, failing to report a road traffic collision, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

He remains in police custody.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police investigating a serious road traffic collision near Launceston on Sunday 12 January are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

"The road was closed while the scene was investigated and was reopened at around 4.15pm.

"If you witnessed the incident or have any information or dashcam footage that could help with enquiries, please contact police via our website here or by calling 101 quoting log 410 of 12/1/2025."