Chris Packham is outraged when police ram a runaway cow on the road in Staines-upon-Thames

The horrifying moment a runaway cow was hit by a police car has been shared online and viewed millions of times.

The clip shows the Surrey Police vehicle colliding with the animal, which a local resident filmed wandering around a residential street in Staines-upon-Thames on Friday evening.

The stunned cow gets back on its feet before it is hit by the car a second time.

After that it remains lying on the floor.

Officers get out to check the cow’s condition. The cow is believed to be injured and is being treated for a large cut on its leg.

A local resident who shared the video on X (formerly Twitter) said the incident took place in Feltham, west London.

Police said the incident occurred in Staines, a few miles to the west, and that passers-by were heard reacting with shock and openly questioning the dramatic actions of the police.

BBC nature presenter and activist Chris Packham said: “I don’t know where to start with this.

“But surely it is illegal and must be investigated and prosecuted. What kind of monster rams a calf? Twice?”

Meanwhile, Home Secretary James Cleverly demanded an explanation.

He wrote on X: “I can’t think of any reasonable reason for this measure. I asked for a full and urgent explanation. It seems to me to be unnecessarily heavy-handed.”

Surrey Police said: “Last night (June 14) we received reports at around 8.55pm of a loose cow in Staines-upon-Thames.

“Last night (June 14) at around 8.55pm we received reports that a cow was running loose in Staines-upon-Thames.

“The cow was running loose all evening on several main roads. During this time we received numerous calls from citizens reporting a damaged car that was speeding towards people.

“In light of these reports, officers were extremely concerned for the safety of the public and attempted various options over several hours to safely capture the cow.

“Unfortunately, these measures were unsuccessful and it was decided to stop the incident using a police car. This matter has been referred to our Professional Standards Department.

“The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been notified and a voluntary report will be made in due course.

“With the assistance of a citizen, the cow was taken to a nearby farm in the early hours of this morning (June 15).

“The owner has been located and the cow’s injuries have been examined by a veterinarian. The cow has sustained a large cut on her leg and the veterinarian is monitoring her further treatment and recovery.”

Chief Inspector Adam Tatton said: “I know this has caused concern and I would like to thank the public for their concern. The decision to use the police car was only taken after other methods of stopping the cow had failed. The actions leading up to this are being investigated but our focus is always on ensuring the safety of the public.

“I know there are videos circulating of this incident that the public may find disturbing. I would like to ask that these videos be sent directly to us to assist with our investigation.”