A final verdict on horse and carriages during Hamilton’s Harbour Nights will have wait until the Bermuda Police Service releases the findings of its investigation, according to a statement from the city’s Mayor.

Safety concerns over horse and carriage rides reached a boiling point after two spooked horses stampeded into a crowd of people at the first Harbour Nights celebration of the year on April 25, three weeks ago.

Nineteen people were injured, including one woman who was seriously hurt and required an extended hospital stay.

Since then horse and carriage operators have been temporarily banned from Harbour Nights.

Last night, the Corporation of Hamilton announced it will keep the temporary ban in place at least until Police release their investigative report. A Police spokesman confirmed the investigation is ongoing.

Hamilton Mayor Sutherland Madeiros said: “It is important that we balance the safety of the public with the desires of tourists and business owners within the city of Hamilton.

“We have considered the tragic incident that took place at Harbour Nights three weeks ago and have decided to temporarily suspend horses and carriages at the weekly event until we receive and are able to take into consideration the official police account of what happened. At that time, the Corporation will make another announcement in regard to future policy on the issue.”

Members of the public, and even horse and carriage operators, have been split over what the Corporation of Hamilton should do next. Some believe the horse and carriage rides are essential to the old city flavour that tourists enjoy, others say a permanent ban on horse and carriage rides in the city is the only way to properly protect the public.