Police horse Guild makes first arrest in Skelmersdale

Nov 15 2012 by Rob Pattinson, Skelmersdale Advertiser

A POLICE horse was the talk of the stables after making his first arrest in Skelmersdale.

Six-year-old Guild, is one of Lancashire mounted branch’s newest recruits after joining the force in August.

And it was certainly a case of crime doesn’t ‘neigh’ when he made his first arrest last Thursday.

Guild and his rider, Constable Keith Marsh, had been tasked to Tanfields in Skelmersdale when they spotted a man making off on his mountain bike from officers at around 2.30pm.

Guild gave chase and managed to corner the suspect against a tree.

He was detained for a drug search and subsequently an 18-year-old man from Skelmersdale was arrested for possession of cannabis and given an adult caution.

Constable Marsh told the Advertiser: “It’s the first arrest for Guild.

“We have had him three months, he’s a fantastic character, loves people and loves doing the job. He’s always got his ears up.

“The man had two to three exit routes by the side of a childrens’ play area, there was small copse of trees he tried to go around but we managed to detain him by a small tree.”

Guild doesn’t ask for much as thanks – other than a pat on the neck for a job well done, according to Con. Marsh, who added: “He’s like a sort of ice breaker.

“People come up pat the horse, lots of children, and it’s a good way for them to meet police officers and get used to speaking to us.”

Guild and fellow new recruit Jubilee joined a team of 16 horses, and were named after the force offered Facebook followers the chance to send in

suggestions.

Chief Inspector Procter said: “Given the significance of this year and its events, Jubilee and Guild seemed to fit really well.”