A RAMPAGING bull was shot by a farmer after it escaped from the nearby abattoir.

The police were called to a field bordering the Spread Eagle at Sawley pub on Thursday after receiving reports that the bull was on the loose.

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The farmer, who holds a firearms certificate, shot the bull before it reached the pub.

Patrons who were sitting outside were asked to enter the pub for safety.

The police dispatched firearms officers and the helicopter to the scene off the A59.

Inspector Phil Hutchinson said: “We received reports shortly after 1.30pm that the bull was extremely irate and very angry.

“We dispatched officers to the scene and put up the helicopter to help contain the bull.

“The farmed managed to dispatch it before it reached the pub’s playground.”