Cop who rammed his car into escaped cow twice as it rampaged through street WILL return to front line duties
A COP who rammed his car into an escaped cow twice as it rampaged through a street will return to front line duties.
Shocking footage showed the 10-month-old calf being struck by the police car after it was reportedly running loose on a main road in Staines-upon-Thames in Surrey.
The officer who was driving was removed from frontline duties as a probe got under way and the Surrey force referred itself to a police watchdog.
However, after looking at 250 pieces of video footage and 75 witness statements Surrey police found there was no cause for further action.
A police spokesperson said there was a “need for individual learning” but that “no further action” will be taken in relation to misconduct.
The cow allegedly damaged a car and charged at members of the public.
Officers tried a number of tactics to capture the cow but were unsuccessful.
They finally took the decision to stop the cow using a police car – and are now referring themselves to the IOPC watchdog.
Shocking footage showed the police car hitting the cow at speed – knocking it down the road.
The car then drives up to the injured and distressed cow and shunts it with its bumper.
A member of the public is heard shouting: “What are you doing that for?”
The cow was moved to a nearby farm after suffering a large cut to its leg and was treated by a vet.
Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “I can think of no reasonable need for this action.
“I’ve asked for a full, urgent explanation for this. It appears to be unnecessarily heavy handed.”
Wildlife presenter Chris Packham said: ” I don’t know where to start with this.
“But it’s surely illegal and must be investigated and prosecuted. What sort of monster rams a calf? Twice?”
The RSPCA said: “This is a very upsetting and distressing video to watch.
“We will be getting in touch with the police urgently to understand the circumstances as to what happened.”
Chief Inspector Sam Adcock said: “I know that this has caused distress and I’d like to thank the community for their concern.
“The decision to use the police car is one that was only taken after other methods to stop the cow had failed.
“There will be an investigation into the actions that led to this, but our focus at all times is on ensuring the safety of the public.
“I know there are videos circulating of this incident, which the public may find distressing.
“I would ask that these videos are sent directly to us to help with our investigation.”
The Sun later the calf, known as Beau Lucy, at her home in Stained Moor, Surrey.
The animal suffered cuts and grazes with a large gash on her leg following the incident.
Her owner, known only as Rob, said: “She’s limping, sulky and bruised.
“We are hoping no damage has been done internally. When we got to her there was no way anyone could examine her.
“She was feisty and upset — scared witless.”
He added: “I’m angry, upset and disgusted. We did think they were trying to kill it.”
Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp said: “We appreciate the strength of feeling which remains in relation to this incident, which is why we committed to conducting a diligent and thorough investigation to determine whether any criminal offences had taken place in relation to the actions taken by Surrey Police on the night.
“This involved gathering substantial amounts of video evidence, as well as speaking to witnesses, and animal welfare specialists to help inform the senior investigating officer’s (SIO) decision making.
He added: “This determination was supported by the head of professional standards for Surrey Police who subsequently reviewed whether there was any potential misconduct.
They determined a need for individual learning, but that no further action is taken in relation to misconduct. The driver of the vehicle will return to frontline duties in due course.”