WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO.
Residents of a British town were outraged this weekend after footage emerged of a police vehicle repeatedly ramming an escaped cow in the middle of the road.
According to the Daily Mail, the female calf, named Beau Lucy, escaped onto the streets from a local farm in Thanes-upon-Thames, north-west Surrey, near London, on Friday. reportPolice footage of the pursuit shows a police vehicle deliberately running over the animal twice, and the officer driving the car has reportedly been suspended pending an investigation.
Distressing video posted on social media showed a police vehicle crashing into the escaped cow.
Surrey Police said they were investigating the incident in conjunction with the IOPC. The cow has since been released to its owner and is receiving veterinary treatment.
Warning: Disturbing content pic.twitter.com/O5dECVPUMC
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) June 15, 2024
Video of the incident went viral on social media and prompted hundreds of complaints to Surrey Police, reports said. IndependentBritish Home Secretary James Cleverley was also among those to express concern at the horrific images, saying: “I am not convinced there is any rational need for this measure. I am seeking a full and urgent explanation of this matter. It seems unnecessarily heavy-handed.” account. (Related: Cow kills woman)
Responding to public concerns, Inspector Sam Adcock of Surrey Constabulary said, according to the Daily Mail, “We understand this has caused concern and we appreciate the community’s concern. The decision to use a police vehicle was only taken after other methods of stopping the cow had failed.” Deputy Commissioner Nev Kemp later clarified, “At this time the officer who was driving the police vehicle has been removed from frontline duty pending the outcome of the investigation.”
Please see our statement below regarding the escaped cow in Staines-upon-Thames yesterday. The cow has been examined by a vet and is being treated for a large cut on its leg. If you have any information or footage please submit it via our online reporting tool. https://t.co/Ynfx68k3mW pic.twitter.com/UWqdj44Bis
— Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) June 15, 2024
The cow was returned to the farm, rejoined the herd and is now eating and drinking normally after receiving veterinary treatment, according to Sky News. reportWhile she appears to have only suffered superficial injuries, concerns remain that she may have internal injuries that are not visible and that she may have died from shock. Kate, her partner and farmer, told reporters: “We don’t know if she will survive. She may die from shock but we hope she will.” Police have asked for any further footage to be sent directly, according to the Mail.
