Wednesday 10 October 2007

Man, 76, dies in horse and carriage accident

AN investigation has been launched into the death of an elderly West Somerset man after he was thrown from a horse-drawn carriage which bolted down Porlock Hill.
The accident happened at about 2 pm on Friday, October 5, when Robert Griffin, aged 76, of Porlock, was driving the cart along the B3225 at Greencombe, with a woman passenger.
The horse is thought to have become spooked and then galloped down the notoriously steep hill before the cart struck a nearside hedge and turned over.
The couple were thrown into the road and Mr Griffin suffered serious head injuries and was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, in Exeter.
However, Mr Griffin died in the hospital shortly before midnight.
Police are investigating and have appealed for any information and witnesses to the incident to contact them by calling the force’s collision investigation unit on 0845 4567000.
Alternatively, information can be provided over the internet by using the secure Crimestoppers contact form at
https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crimestoppers/ContactForm.aspx.
Callers do not have to give their names.