A police officer filmed deliberately driving a police car into a cow has been removed from his frontline duties, Surrey Police said.
It comes after the farmer’s partner told Sky News he should “lose the job” about the “disgusting” incident.
“I fully appreciate the distress that our handling of this incident has caused and will ensure that it is investigated thoroughly and diligently,” said Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp.
“At this time, the officer driving the police car has been removed from frontline duties pending the outcome of these investigations,” he added.
Home Secretary James Cleverly asked for a “complete and urgent explanation” after a video of the incident in Staines-upon-Thames on Friday night was widely shared.
The animal, a 10-month-old breeding heifer named Beau Lucy, has no broken bones and is recovering in a barn with other calves, but could still die from shock, said the farmer’s partner Kate.
Police said the cow suffered “a large gash to one leg and cuts and bruises” and is being monitored by a veterinarian.
Surrey Police said the decision was made to detain the loose animal “using a police car” after officers “tried a number of options to safely capture the cow” over a period of hours and became “extremely concerned about the cow’s safety.” of the public.”
Efforts to find a local veterinarian and identify the owner were unsuccessful as the incident unfolded, Deputy Police Chief Kemp said.
“Why they were unsuccessful and what more could and should have been done will form a key part of the investigation,” he added.
An internal referral has been made to the professional standards department and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is also considering the matter.
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