Police marksmen have shot a dangerous cow that escaped from a field near Grantham after they chased it around several roads near a school.

The loose cow was first reported to the police at around 2.45pm on Monday, and officers followed it around various roads and streets, whilst the animal became increasingly distressed and aggressive.

The Belgian blue cow jumped fences and ran towards members of the public and police officers on several occasions.

Police officers consulted the RSPCA and the owner of the animal in an effort to resolve the matter peacefully, but it became apparent that the animal posed a real danger to the public.

Armed police officers attended the scene and the cow was shot dead on the grounds of Belton Lane Community Primary School in Grantham at around 5:20pm.

Lincolnshire Police Superintendent Phil Vickers coordinated the operation.

He said: “It is regrettable and sad that the incident ended with the escaped cow being dispatched by an armed police officer with a rifle.

“We tried everything we could to capture the animal but it became increasingly distressed, aggressive and unpredictable.

“The cow was shot in the grounds of Belton Lane Community Primary School when the pupils and most of the staff had left the area.

“I would like to thank the local community for their cooperation and understanding during the course of the incident.

“The safety of the public was paramount in our thinking throughout the event,” Superintendent Vickers added.