A rampaging bull has been shot dead by police after "charging at people" near a primary school in Cheshire.
The "agitated" animal could not be controlled and firearms officers in Haslington said they killed the bull while it was on the loose "before anyone was seriously hurt", adding they "didn't make the decision lightly".
Locals and pupils in a nearby primary school were put into lockdown just before 9am on Wednesday after the bull was seen charging at people on Wells Avenue in the town.
Cheshire Police said there was a "real risk" of the bull escaping onto a main road and surrounding housing estates which could have caused a "serious accident".
A 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."
