An investigation has been launched after a Surrey Police car was filmed ramming into an escaped cow twice as it walked down the middle of a road. The force is referring itself to the police complaints watchdog after the animal was deliberately struck by the vehicle.
According to Surrey Police, there had been several attempts to contain the cow, running loose in Staines-upon-Thames at 8.55pm yesterday. The horrific footage shows a blue light, marked car, driving towards the cow at force, before colliding with the animal – sending it flying down the road.
The cow then struggles to get back up – but before it can, the driver catches up and speeds right up to it, with the bonnet overhanging its body, preventing any movement.
People filming in the area can be heard screaming, with one person yelling: “What the f*** was that?” A spokesperson for the force said the cow sustained a large cut to its leg which is being treated by a vet.
Home Secretary James Cleverly is among those stunned by the incident. He said on X: “I can think of no reasonable need for this action. I've asked for a full, urgent explanation for this. It appears to be unnecessarily heavy-handed.”
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BBC wildlife presenter Chris Packham has also responded, and said: “I don't know where to start with this. But it's surely illegal and must be investigated and prosecuted. What sort of monster rams a calf? Twice?”