Horse-mounted police officer sexually assaulted

A man has been charged with sexually assaulting a horse-mounted police officer.

West Midlands Police has issued a warning to members of the public following incidents of "unacceptable behaviour" towards its mounted unit officers, and suggested it could be linked to a social media trend.

The force has recently seen incidents of officers on horseback being approached and touched inappropriately, a statement said. It added it currently had ongoing investigations relating to incidents of this kind.

A 36-year-old man has been charged and will appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court later.

"Our horses are now a regular sight in the West Midlands, carrying out general patrols, helping keep people safe at large events, and engaging with communities across the region," a statement said.

"The vast majority of interactions with them has been positive, but recently we have seen incidents of officers on horseback being approached and touched inappropriately - which may be linked to a social media trend."

The statement went on to say officers on horseback should only be touched in an emergency, and a criminal offence could be committed if not.

Insp Nick Burton, mounted unit manager, said: "Our horses and riders love being out and about interacting with people, and we're really pleased to see the positive reaction they get.

"Our mounted officers are highly skilled and trained in dealing with a variety of situations on horseback and are happy to chat and stop for photos where they can - we just need people to behave safely and respectfully around them."

Police horses were introduced to the West Midlands back in February after a 26-year-absence.

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