A tourist has "fainted" after being bitten by a King's Guard horse.
A shocking video has been circulating online showing a woman being bitten by one of the King's guard horses with such force that she ends up falling to the ground.
The incident, which allegedly occurred over the weekend, showed the woman approaching the horse in an attempt to take a photo next to it - like many tourists do.
In fact, a number of people are seen successfully getting a picture before the woman in question steps up for her turn. However, almost immediately, the animal lunged at her - chomping down on her arm.
Ironically, it all happened under a sign that read: "Beware: Horses may kick or bite! Thank you."
A King's Guard stands next to a sign warning tourists that the horse may kick or bite. Credit: Kaveh Kazemi/Getty
After a few seconds, it let go and the woman stumbled back to her loved ones who proceeded to check on her.
At first, the woman seemed to be okay, but as the video ended, she was seen collapsed on the floor with a crowd gathering around her.
Police officers were called to the scene and the woman was treated for her injuries, News.com.au reports.
A clip of the incident was later reposted to X by social media personality Oli London, who captioned it: "Tourist FAINTS after being bitten by a Kings Guard’s Horse after she attempted to pose for a photo."
However, many are also left unsympathetic as they have pointed out the fact that there are warnings advising tourists not to approach the horses as they may bite for a reason.
"I was there three weeks ago. I read the signs warning me about the horses. Because I read the signs, I did not get close to the horse. I was not bitten. Funny how that works," wrote one user under the repost of the video.
"Ah, yes. This would be the 'find out' section of that ancient philosophy, 'f*** around, find out," another added.
A third simply commented: "Self awareness level = 0" under a screenshot of the woman being bitten under the sign.
And this user was also less than impressed, writing: "There's literally a sign behind her. These are the same people that take selfies with the Bison."
The King's Guard have been part of British tourism for decades. Credit: Mairo Cinquetti/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty
The King’s Guard, formerly known as the Queen’s Guard, have long been a subject of intrigue for tourists worldwide, with many hoping to take a snap with them during their visits to London.
Though this fascination makes up a fun part of tourism in the area, many fail to realize that the guards also have a very serious job.
They are not allowed to interact with the public, or generally post for photos - they just stand in their designated spots, guarding the area.
The Coldstream Guards gather at the Queen Victoria Memorial during the State Opening of Parliament earlier this month. Credit: Jeff Spicer/Getty
So let this be a warning to you all because - as one of the social media users so eloquently pointed out - you don't want to f*** about and find out.