THERE was no horsing around when this four-legged fellow was spotted dangerously close to one of Hampshire’s busiest motorways.

Officers from Totton’s Roads Policing Unit were surprised to find this pony standing by the side of the road just a few metres from the junction with the M271.

Looking bedraggled and a bit sorry for itself officers quickly went to its rescue, getting a piece of tow rope from the boot of their vehicle, tying it around the pony’s neck and leading it to safety in a nearby field, where it galloped off as if nothing had happened.

The incident happened just after midday on Tuesday afternoon.

The officer who ensured the safety of the pony and passing motorists, who did not want to be named, said: “We get called to all sorts but it is not very often we come across a horse so close to the motorway.”