Rampaging bull loose in the Midlands shot dead as police dispatch 'trained farmer' to tackle 'dangerous' animal

As the bull made its way towards Brinklow, police urged locals to avoid the area as officers pushed to bring the situation "under control".

But after an afternoon of consulting with farmers and vets, Warwickshire Police decided on its course of action.

Officers decided that the "risk to the public, road users and those dealing with the situation" had become "too high for any other course of action to be considered".

Warwickshire Police then confirmed the bull died after being shot by a trained farmer.

The force said in a statement: "After considering options with a vet and local farmer the decision was taken for a trained farmer to shoot the bull.

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"This decision was not taken lightly, however, the risk to the public, road users and those dealing with the situation was considered too high for any other course of action to be considered."

Police had written on social media earlier on Tuesday: "We have been made aware there is a bull on the loose near Rugby Road heading into Brinklow.

"This presents a danger to the public, please avoid the area while the situation is brought under control."

The run-in with the bull comes just days after the news that the police officer who controversially rammed an escaped cow with a police vehicle would be returning to duty.

Despite fielding more than 22,000 complaints and messages from the public, Surrey Police said that a thorough investigation found the tactic was both lawful and necessary during the June incident in Staines-upon-Thames.

In that case, the cow has since recovered from her injuries - and remains with her herd.