A runaway sheep headbutted a police officer as it rampaged through the streets of Lancaster.

In footage filmed by a passer-by, the rogue ewe is seen launching itself at a Lancashire Police dog handler who was trying to apprehend it.

The escaped sheep then darted past the officer, who climbs into his car to pursue his attacker down the street.

Despite initially giving the force the runaround, the troublesome sheep was eventually captured by police.

Lancashire Police’s dogs unit tweeted a picture of the mischievous animal after it had been taken into custody.

“First job of the day was to sight this running on Lancaster one-way system, then followed a comedy moment as the sheep headbutted the dog handler,” said force, which appealed to find the animal's owner.

Both the sheep and the dog handler were uninjured following the pursuit, it added.