Raging bull shot dead by police after causing rail havoc in Selby

A charging bull wreaking havoc on a live railway has been shot dead by armed officers ‘as a last resort’, police said.

A herd of cows were spotted on traffic cameras charging through Selby in Yorkshire at 9am on Wednesday.

The main farmyard fugitive with steam pumping out of its mouth was seen galloping next to a roundabout bringing morning traffic to a standstill.

Despite police drones and farmers being dispatched to keep track of him, the bull ran onto the rail tracks between Brayton level crossing and Selby station causing chaos.

Police said they then ‘humanely dispatched’ the bull leading the herd shortly after to prevent a wider risk to the public.

Locals expressed their disgust with police for not waiting for the runaway bull to calm down before escorting him safely from the track.

But one passenger posted on Facebook: ‘Whilst it’s a shame they couldn’t save the bull, it could’ve been a lot worse.

‘I was on the 9:11 from Selby to Doncaster, luckily the train had not long left the station when it needed to break hard, imagine if the train was at speed, it could’ve been a very different situation.’

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: ‘Police officers, working with British Transport Police and Network Rail, have been forced to dispatch a bull that had escaped onto the railway near Selby this morning.

‘The decision was taken as a last resort to remove an immediate risk to the public and the rail network after all safe options to contain and move the animal were unsuccessful.’

‘Train movements were initially cautioned and as the situation developed, sections of the line were closed by Network Rail to protect passengers, rail staff and members of the public.

‘Specialist police officers attended alongside livestock handlers. A drone was deployed to assist with locating and monitoring the animal. Despite sustained efforts, the bull could not be safely contained or directed away from the live railway.

‘In this instance, tranquillisation wasn’t a safe or practical option due to time constraints, potential risk to the public and the need for veterinary intervention which was not available trackside.

‘Given the continuing danger posed by the animal’s proximity to moving trains and critical rail infrastructure, firearms officers humanely dispatched the bull a short time ago.’

Inspector Rob Campbell, Neighbourhood Policing, Selby, added: ‘This was an exceptionally complex situation and we understand the concern it may cause.

‘Our duty is to protect life and keep people safe. Together with BTP, Network Rail and livestock handlers, we tried to contain and move the animal away from danger.

‘Unfortunately, the bull continued to pose a serious and immediate risk on the railway.

‘As a last resort, and with the appropriate legal authority in place, specialist officers humanely dispatched the animal to prevent any wider risk to the public. We’re grateful to passengers and local residents for their patience during the disruption.’

In June 2024, Surrey Police were heavily criticised for running over an escaped calf.

Footage from the incident spread widely on the internet the following morning, with then-Home Secretary James Cleverly saying it ‘appears to be unnecessarily heavy handed’.

The force said it has contacted 75 witnesses and is currently reviewing more than 250 video clips sent in by concerned members of the public.

Beau Lucy was said to have been left limping for a month after receiving injuries in the crash.