Police in Surrey are facing immense criticism following an incident in which a cow was deliberately struck twice by a response vehicle. The force said in a statement that the action was used after attempts to safely capture the cow “over a period of a number of hours failed.”

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However, the RSPCA said the incident, which took place in Staines-on-Thames, "appears disproportionate." Footage shared online shows a marked vehicle ramming into the cow, which appears to be stunned and tries to get to its feet, before being hit a second time. In the 26-second video, bystanders can be heard reacting in shock as the cow is struck by the vehicle.

Surrey Police confirmed that the animal has been seen by a vet and that they have referred themselves to the police watchdog. “The animal has been seen by a vet and is receiving treatment for a large cut to its leg. This matter has been referred to our professional standards department.”

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"The Independent Office for Police Conduct(IOPC) has been notified and a voluntary referral will be made in due course,”the force said in a statement. Ch Insp Tatton Sam Adcock added: “The decision to use the police car is one that was only taken after other methods to stop the cow had failed."