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Video shows English police car mowing down a runaway cow; officer suspended

Theo

WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO.

Residents of an English town were outraged over the weekend when a video emerged showing a police car repeatedly ramming an escaped cow in the middle of the road.

A female calf named Beau Lucy escaped from a farm into the streets of Saines-upon-Thames in northwest Surrey, near London, on Friday, the Daily Mail reported. Footage of the police chase shows one of their cars deliberately hitting the animal twice. The police officer who was driving the vehicle has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, the report said.

Video of the incident went viral on social media and sparked hundreds of complaints to Surrey Police, according to a report by the Independent. British Home Secretary James Cleverly was among those who expressed concern about the disturbing images. In a statement on his X account, he wrote: “I cannot think of any reasonable reason for this action. I have asked for a full, urgent explanation for this. It seems unnecessarily harsh.” (RELATED TOPIC: Cow kills woman)

Responding to public concerns, Surrey Police Chief Constable Sam Adcock said: “I know this has caused concern and I would like to thank the public for their concern… The decision to use the police car was only made after other methods of stopping the cow had failed,” according to The Daily Mail. Assistant Chief Constable Nev Kemp later clarified: “The officer who was driving the police car has been removed from duty at this time pending the outcome of these investigations.”

The cow was returned to her farm where she rejoined her herd. After being treated by a vet, she is now eating and drinking normally, Sky News reported. Although she appears to have suffered only superficial injuries, concerns remain that she may have suffered invisible internal injuries or possible death from shock. Kate, the farmer’s partner, told reporters: “I don’t know if she’s going to survive. She could die from the shock but hopefully she survives.” Police have asked for further footage to be sent directly to them, according to The Mail.

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