POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a collision which saw an eight-year-old girl airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.

Devon and Cornwall Police are investigating a serious road traffic collision near Launceston, which took place on Sunday, January 12, and are now appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Officers were called to reports of a collision involving a white Ford Transit van and a horse, at Higher Treween, Altarnun, near Launceston, at around 2.20pm.

The rider of the horse, an eight-year-old child, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to hospital for treatment.

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

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, the horse had to be humanely put to sleep by vets at the scene.”

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

A 61-year-old man from Launceston has been arrested 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.

Any witnesses of the incident or those with any information or dashcam footage that could help with enquiries, are asked to contact police via their website or by calling 101 quoting log 410 of 12/1/2025.