Runaway bull shot by police after charging at people on school run

The bull was deemed a 'danger to the public' and was shot by armed police in Cheshire on Wednesday morning.

20th Apr 2023

A runaway bull was shot dead by police after charging at people during a school run in a village in Cheshire.

The escaped animal caused a local primary school to go into lockdown and residents were warned to stay indoors shortly before 9am on Wednesday in Wells Avenue, Haslington.

Its owner, alongside armed police, tried to get the animal under control but struggled to contain its “agitated” state.

The bull was deemed a danger to the public so had to be shot, officers confirmed.

A statement read: “At 8.50am on Wednesday April 19, police were alerted to a bull on the loose and charging at people in Wells Avenue, Haslington.

“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.”