Police shot and killed a rampaging bull that was 'charging at people' near a UK school. The animal, described as 'agitated' could not be controlled in Haslington, Cheshire, so firearms officers had to step in.
Cheshire Police said the decision to take down the bull was made to stop anybody being seriously hurt, adding the decision was 'not made lightly', The Mirror reports. Neighbours and pupils at the nearby school were placed into lockdown at 9am on Wednesday, April 19.
A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: " Local officers, supported by firearms officers, attended the scene and local residents, including the nearby school, were advised to stay inside as the bull in its agitated state posed an immediate threat to their safety.
"There was also a real risk of the bull escaping onto the main road and surrounding housing estates which could have caused a serious accident. "Officers with the help of the owner attempted to secure the bull but the owner was unable to do so and the immediate danger to the public and the officers was high.
"A decision had to be made to dispatch the animal before anyone was seriously hurt. This decision is never taken lightly and the main focus here was to protect residents, some of whom were dropping children off at the nearby school."
One local wrote on social media: "It's terrified me what could have happened, it nearly charged me but I fell forward out the way. My daughter was on her own further down the path as it changed ahead. I hope the police will take this matter further with whoever allowed the animal to escape."
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