A police horse which had to cope with petrol bombs, flares and bottles being thrown at him has moved to a retirement home in Buckinghamshire after clocking up more than 17 years' service with Thames Valley Police.

The 16.3hh thoroughbred-Clydesdale cross is one of the longest-serving police horses in the UK, according to Sergeant John Thurston from the force's mounted section.

He is now being looked after at The Horse Trust's sanctuary for rescued and retired working horses in Speen.

Sgt Thurston said: "Eight or nine years is the average working life of a police horse, while Clyde has put in an impressive 17 years' service. Clyde is potentially the longest-serving operational horse."