Rampaging bullock shot dead

A bullock was shot dead today after it escaped from an abattoir and went on the rampage in busy city streets.

It was spotted in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, this morning.

Roads were closed off as the animal charged around the streets and a vet was called out, along with specialist firearms officers.

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: "The vet's assessment was it would be a too dangerous to tranquillise due to the animal being unpredictable and it being a busy built-up area so the decision was made to destroy the animal to ensure public safety."

The bullock died instantly and the roads were reopened, she said.