Jeremy Clarkson has spoken out after a video of a police car hitting a cow was shared on social media.
Footage of the incident has gone viral online, showing the escaped cow walking through a residential area of Surrey.
In the horrifying clip, a police car can be seen ramming into the animal, before hitting it a second time.
Advert
A Surrey Police spokesperson said: “Yesterday evening, at around 8.55pm, we received reports that a cow was running loose in Staines-upon-Thames.
“The cow was running loose throughout the evening on a number of main roads and, during this time, we received numerous calls from the public reporting a car being damaged and it running at members of the public.
“Given these reports, officers were extremely concerned about the public's safety, and over a period of a number of hours tried a number of options to safely capture the cow.
“Unfortunately, these were unsuccessful and the decision was made to stop it using a police car.”
Police say the cow has suffered a cut to its leg and is being treated.
Advert
Following the incident, Surrey Police has been hugely criticised online, with many speaking out to condemn the actions taken.
Clarkson spoke out on X, telling followers: "I will vote for any party which stops the police from running over cows."
Meanwhile, BBC 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?”
Advert
Meanwhile, Home Secretary James Cleverly, has demanded a 'full' and 'urgent' explanation over the incident.
“I can think of no reasonable need for this action," he said.
"I’ve asked for a full, urgent explanation for this. It appears to be unnecessarily heavy-handed.”
Advert
The incident will now be referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and the Professional Standards Department.
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.
Advert
"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."
Topics: Animals, UK News, Jeremy Clarkson
Lucy Devine