By James Simons-
Armed police have killed a bull after it escaped close to railway tracks in North Yorkshire this morning.
The incident took place near Selby after police received reports of a bull on the tracks between Brayton level crossing and Selby station at 9.13am this morning.
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Ssections of the line were closed by Network Rail while specialist police and livestock handlers attended the scene.
A drone was also deployed to monitor the animal, but the bull could not be safely contained or directed away from the railway.
Police say it was “humanely dispatched” by firearms officers, with local reports suggesting that the animal was shot in the car park of Home Bargains.
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Police were alerted at around 9:13 am, and officers from North Yorkshire Police, supported by the British Transport Police and Network Rail, attended the scene. Livestock handlers and drones were also deployed in efforts to locate and manage the animal.
Despite these efforts, officials said they could not safely contain or guide the bull away from danger.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police stated that, as the bull continued to pose a “serious and immediate risk” to the safety of the public and rail infrastructure, firearms officers made the decision to humanely dispatch the animal.
Typical alternatives such as sedatives were ruled out because they take time to work and could leave a stressed animal unpredictable and still dangerous while close to moving trains.
No injuries were reported, and train services have since resumed. An inspector described the situation as “exceptionally complex,” highlighting that public safety had to remain the priority.
Incidents of police shooting escaped bulls or other large livestock in the UK are rare but not unprecedented.
In April 2012, North Yorkshire Police were reported to have shot a bull that had escaped from a livestock centre and was roaming on the A64 near York. The animal posed a danger to traffic and had run across the road.
Also in 2012, a bull escaped in Sheffield and ended up in a primary school playground; police officers shot it dead after specialist advice and safety concerns.
In 2024 and beyond, Wales and parts of Scotland have seen police shoots of escaped or aggressive XL bully-type dogs (not cattle), showing that police use of firearms against dangerous animals — large or aggressive — has occurred in recent years.
In Warwickshire two years ago(, police authorised a trained farmer to shoot a loose bull in a public area when it could not be safely controlled.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “The decision was taken as a last resort to remove an immediate risk to the public and the rail network after all safe options to contain and move the animal were unsuccessful.”
They added that there are no reports of injuries to members of the public or officers.
Inspector Rob Campbell, Neighbourhood Policing Selby, said: “This was an exceptionally complex situation and we understand the concern it may cause.
“Our duty is to protect life and keep people safe. Together with BTP, Network Rail and livestock handlers, we tried to contain and move the animal away from danger.
“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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“We’re grateful to passengers and local residents for their patience during the disruption.”
North Yorkshire Police explained that the bull was not tranquillised as it was not a “safe or practical option” as the process is not instant, requires a specialist vet, and the bull may have bolted in panic or collapsed onto live train lines , causing further danger.
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