Bull on railway tracks shot dead by police

A bull was shot dead by armed police after it escaped onto railway tracks in North Yorkshire, police have said.

Emergency services were called at about 09:15 GMT to reports of a bull on the tracks between Brayton level crossing and Selby station.

North Yorkshire Police said the decision to shoot the animal was taken "as a last resort" to remove an immediate risk to the public when safe options to contain it had been unsuccessful.

There were no reports of injuries to members of the public or officers, but some rail services were disrupted.

Specialist police officers attended the scene alongside livestock handlers, and a drone was deployed to assist with locating and monitoring the bull.

However, it could not be safely contained or directed away from the live railway, according to a police spokesperson.

Insp Rob Campbell said the situation had been "exceptionally complex" and he understood the concern it might have caused.

"Our duty is to protect life and keep people safe. Together with British Transport Police, Network Rail and livestock handlers, we tried to contain and move the animal away from danger," he said.

"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."

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