Hero of Millwall riot back on duty

He is handsome, fit and ready for duty once more - the police horse who almost lost his life at the hands of a football hooligan.

This is Alamein, who severed an artery when Millwall supporters went on the rampage four weeks ago in one of the worst nights of football violence seen for years.

He reared up when a rioting fan threw a thunderflash at his feet and crashed down on to a parked car, suffering a four-inch gash in his leg - causing fears that he might have to be destroyed.

But Alamein was made of sterner stuff than that. After a few stitches and several weeks of rest and recuperation in a quiet, suburban paddock in Surrey, he has fully recovered - and is now back at work.

"The stitches have been removed and the horse is absolutely fine," said Sgt Phil Field, deputy training manager of the Met's mounted police training unit at Imber Court. "He has been a number one patient - he has been absolutely brilliant."

Alamein, an eight-year-old bay gelding, spends much of his working life doing ceremonial work and patrolling the streets of central London. But a month ago he was helping with crowd control on the night Millwall failed to gain promotion to the Premiership after losing to Birmingham City.

What followed was one of the most shameful nights of football hooliganism ever seen.

Nine hundred fans ran riot, hurling fireworks and masonry at police and setting cars on fire.

Forty-seven police officers and 26 police horses were injured, three of them seriously. By far the worst was Alamein, who had to have emergency veterinary treatment.

"It is crazy, absolutely crazy what they did," said Sgt Field. "It was mindless. When any of our horses are injured your reaction is concern and an element of disgust. I really cannot imagine how people can do that."

In the peaceful surroundings of Imber Court - roses around the stable blocks, fields of buttercups and daisies to exercise in - Alamein has been able to make a good recovery.

A groom, Alison Orsbourn, was assigned to look after him and change his dressing, and gradually Alamein was brought back to full fitness.

Ever the professional, he never complained. "The vet took the stitches out without sedation and he was not bothered at all," said Ms Orsbourn.

Sgt Field said he would only be doing light duties at first. "He won't be doing anything like public order or football matches but then the football season is over. He might be doing something like standing outside Buckingham Palace waving at tourists.

"Given the type of animal he is mentally, I do not think he is going to be affected by what happened. He is a brilliant horse."

Sgt Field has known Alamein since he was young. "He is quiet, decent and honest - a pleasure to work with," he said.

"He is a Grade A police horse. We are sure he will be fully fit and operational for every type of duty as the year progresses. He is in good condition - he is a magnificent looking horse."

Given the publicity that surrounded his injury, Alamein was given something approaching hero status when he arrived at Imber Court. Sgt Field said: "We have had lots of letters, mints by the bucketload, and sugar - all sorts of stuff. Obviously the public was very concerned about him."

Not surprisingly, Ms Orsbourn was sorry to see him go. "You get quite attached to them," she said.

"He is very laid back. But when he is out on the road he is very alert, always looking for things to do. He is very easy to work around, very well-mannered. He is quite affectionate - he is always shoving his head in looking for a cuddle."