A watchdog has told police to investigate whether the decision to ram an escaped cow with a police car was “appropriate and proportionate”.
After footage of officers using a patrol car to ram the cow was shared on social media, Surrey Police was widely criticised, with the home secretary demanding an explanation.
The force said officers had tried a number of methods to catch the cow after reports it was running at people and had damaged a car in Staines-upon-Thames on Friday.
They ultimately decided to opt for force.
The matter was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), who have said Surrey Police should investigate what had happened itself.
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The watchdog also said the force should look at whether officers involved met standards of professional behaviour, including how they communicated with the public.
A spokesman said: “After careful consideration, we have decided that an investigation is required into whether the methods used to contain the cow were appropriate and proportionate in these circumstances, and whether the officers upheld police standards of professional behaviour throughout the incident, including their communication with members of the public who were present.
“However, we do not consider the investigation needs to be undertaken by the IOPC, so it will be for Surrey’s professional standards department to take it forward.”
Surrey Police said this investigation will “take time” but will be carried out “diligently”.
If complainants are unhappy with the outcome of the investigation, they have a right of review “providing a level of independent oversight”, he added.
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The cow’s owner, named only as Rob, said the clip is horrific, while wildlife presenter and conservationist Chris Packham asked: “What sort of monster rams a calf?”
The 10-month-old calf, named Beau Lucy, was returned to its owner’s farm on Saturday morning with bruises and has since been recovering.
The video shows the cow falling and tumbling metres down a road after being hit by the vehicle.
As the animal seems to be trying to stand, the car approaches for a second time.
The cow’s head and part of its torso then appears to be stuck underneath the front of the vehicle as two officers get out, while a second police car is on an adjoining street.
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Surrey Police Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp said: “I know how important it is that we provide the public with answers as to how these actions came about and what events led up to it.
“We acknowledge the decision of the IOPC that this should be a local investigation and will continue to progress this accordingly.”
A “full and thorough investigation” will be led by Surrey Police’s Professional Standards Department, he said, and overseen by a senior investigating officer from Surrey and Sussex Police’s Major Crime Team.
“This will take time; however, I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that this is diligently investigated and we will also continue to provide updates to our local community and the wider public,” he added.
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