Escaped bull shot dead after charging at people near primary school
Cheshire Police said there was a 'real risk' if the bull got further
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A rampaging bull has been shot dead by police after ”charging at people” near a primary school.
Its owner and police officers tried to secure the “agitated” animal, but could not get it under control.
Firearms officers in Haslington, Cheshire, say they “didn't make the decision lightly”, but were forced to kill it while it was on the loose “before anyone was seriously hurt”.
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 in 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.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments