POLICE have defended their decision to shoot a cow after it was spotted roaming through gardens and streets in Carlisle.

The incident, which unfolded last month, was brought to a swift conclusion after officers tracked the female animal down in a quiet cul-de-sac in the Belah area of the city.

Residents were left shocked and scared when armed police were deployed to Newfield Drive at lunchtime on August 21.

Several weeks later, it remains unknown exactly how the large cow managed to escape from its owner.

Members of the police were called to contain the cow at about 12pm, before armed officers shot the animal dead two hours later.

Part of the street, just off Kingstown Road, had been cordoned off by police after the cow was first spotted by eyewitnesses on the opposite side of the street.

The shooting prompted a huge backlash from thousands of News & Star readers on our Facebook page, who shared their shock and sadness of the cow's death, with Cumbria Police hit by heavy criticism over their decision to kill the animal.

Rose Branthwaite said: "Why? It's a cow not a lion and even then a sedative could be used.

"How many vets/farmers are within spitting distance that could have done something about it.

"All the police should have done was close the road. Yes, it would have caused inconvenience and delay but better than shooting it."

Jane Kirby added: "Waste of police resources. [If you] get burgled or beaten up, you don’t see an officer for love nor money.

"A cow walks the street and armed response arrive."

Wayne Richmond said: "All the Police had to do was get in touch with a local farmer to come down and get it and just try and cordon an area off for it to calm down in.

"The Police didn't need to shoot it."

A spokesman from the constabulary explained why it was killed.

“The priority for the police in any situation is to protect the public.

“Due to the potential danger and the increased stress on the animal, the decision was taken to conclude the incident as quickly and humanely as possible.

“We can assure people this is not a decision taken lightly but was the correct decision given the circumstances and the concern for the public.”