Two cows shot by police marksmen in Norwich Published duration 12 October 2014

media caption Joe Copson recorded the action as a cow dashed on to the Ipswich Road, in Norwich

Two cows reported to be running amok near the A140 in Norfolk have been shot by police marksmen.

Police were called after members of the public reported one animal on the A140 Ipswich Road, in Norwich, at 17:00 BST on Saturday, and another cow nearby.

Officers closed a stretch of the road while they attempted to "safely retrieve the animals", said police.

Two cows were found in a wooded area, and, after the farmer who owned them was consulted, shot by police marksmen.

A Norfolk Police spokeswoman said the animals were killed in the "interests of public safety".

A third cow, which had also got loose, was later found dead in Morston Road. Police have not yet said how it died.