It sounds like the start of a bad joke, but a horse really did walk into the Cheshire Police headquarters in Winsford on Monday morning.

Instead of enquiring as to the steed’s long face, a brave member of staff attempted to shepherd the animal back outside.

The horse, believed to live in a field nearby, wasn’t taking ‘neigh’ for an answer and, with the bit between its teeth, sauntered further into the Oakmere Road HQ.

After all the hoofing around, the animal was eventually returned to home pastures.

A Cheshire Police spokesman confirmed that the situation was now stable.

“We like to ensure a warm welcome to all our guests at HQ and at neigh point did the horse pose a risk to security,” they added.

The Guardian is asking readers to submit suggested headlines for this story to appear in next week’s paper.  

Reader, Lisa Founds, has got the contest off to a strong start with: ‘Excuse me Constable, where do you keep the Hay Wain?’

Add your attempts below and the Guardian will print a selection of the best...