Two of the five horses which rampaged through central London yesterday, injuring four people, are said to be a "serious condition", a minister has said.

Vida and Quaker, who ran more than five miles from Buckingham Palace Road to Limehouse are now back at Household Cavalry barracks being looked after by vets.

The animals were taking part in what the Army called a "routine exercise" in the Belgravia area on Wednesday when they threw off their owners and began galloping through the streets of the capital.

Defence Minister James Cartlidge said: "Obviously it was quite dramatic coverage but I just want to stress that it was an exceptional event.

Two of the horses are in a 'serious condition'

"There were five horses they have all been recovered. Three of them are fine, two are unfortunately in a relatively very serious condition and, obviously, we will be monitoring their situation," he told Sky News.

Asked if they are still alive, he replied: "As I understand it they are in a serious condition but still alive."