POLICE were called out when horses escaped on to the Link Road at Osbaldwick, on York’s outskirts, early yesterday.

North Yorkshire Police said the animals’ owners came to the scene and removed the horses a short time later.

City of York Council said its new horse bailiff, who started work on Monday to tackle the problem of illegally tethered horses on verges, was not involved in the matter.

A spokeswoman said the escape was “solely a police matter”.

He added: “Our agents have to wait for 14 days to elapse after posting legal notices before they’re able to take action against illegally tethered horses.”