A loose horse on the M4 has led to the closure of the motorway in both directions, creating significant traffic disruptions for commuters. The incident has been described as a "significant safety risk" by authorities, prompting Thames Valley Police and National Highways to take immediate action. The closure has resulted in heavy traffic congestion stretching from Junction 11 to Junction 14, affecting the route from Reading to Newbury. Motorists are being warned to expect long delays as efforts are made to capture the animal. As of 11:46, traffic has built up considerably, particularly around Junction 13, with tailbacks reported in both directions. National Highways has issued a traffic alert for the area, advising drivers to seek alternative routes if possible. In a statement, National Highways confirmed, "The M4 is closed in both directions between J12 and J13. This is due to a horse which is loose on the motorway causing a significant safety risk. National Highways traffic officers are assisting Thames Valley Police to resolve the incident." Authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of both the animal and motorists, but the situation remains fluid as they attempt to manage the chaos on one of the country’s busiest roads.