Two people were taken to hospital when an out of control horse and cart threw them to the ground and collided with a car.

Dereham Times: The Fox pub in Lyng. Picture: The FoxThe Fox pub in Lyng. Picture: The Fox (Image: Archant)

The horse and cart had been travelling along a road called The Common in the village of Lyng, near Dereham, at around 3.45pm on May 5 when it passed a vehicle and animal trailer.

After passing each other the horse bolted towards a nearby pub called The Fox. It continued up to village shop where it hit a curb and threw the first occupant from the cart.

A spokesperson for the store said: 'We didn't see why the horse bolted but we saw it happen.

'There were some people outside the shop and on the street as the local nursery had held a spring fayre that day. A few of them ran over to help the lady who had fallen out.'

The horse continued along The Common until it collided with a car and overturned, throwing the second occupant from the cart.

The East Anglian Air Ambulance was sent to the village and landed in a field close to the scene.

One of the occupants was found to have sustained serious back injuries and after being assessed by a doctor and critical care paramedic, they were airlifted to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for further treatment.

They are still in hospital recovering from the injuries, while the second occupant suffered a fractured knee cap, a possible fractured wrist and injuries to her teeth and mouth.

Staff from The Fox pub said they saw the aftermath of the accident and people were quick to support the emergency services, including helping to direct traffic when the air ambulance had landed.

Rachael, an employee at the pub, said: 'It was a village community effort. There were people who live in the village who were helping and so were people who were driving through. They were stopping to help.'

The horse later returned to the stables.

Norfolk police have asked for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or anyone with information to contact Swaffham Roads Policing on 101. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.