Veterans of the nine-day festival said crowds lining the route were larger than usual, and this had compounded the risk of injuries.

Hundreds of people dressed in white with red scarves took part, running ahead of or alongside six fighting bulls

Six people were injured when they were gored by bulls, three others received minor injuries

Streets made wet by recent rain saw many people slip; some were trampled by the bulls

Local officials described it as the most dangerous bull run of recent years

Among those injured was an American woman identified as Jennifer Smith, 27, of New Jersey

She was rushed to hospital in a serious condition