Police officer who rammed runaway cow with squad automobile will return to frontline duties after six-month probe involving 250 movies and 75 witness statements discovered tactic was ‘lawful and crucial’

A police officer who rammed an escaped cow sending her skittering 30 feet during a bungled operation will return to frontline duties with no further action.

The unnamed copper has been cleared of wrongdoing following a Surrey Police investigation into the incident involving a calf called Beau Lucy in Staines-upon-Thames.

More than 2,000 complaints were filed after the operation as animal campaigners called for action.

But police reviewed over 250 pieces of video and 75 witness statements, and spoke to animal welfare experts, before deciding he should be cleared.

Surrey Police said the tactic of ramming the terrified calf was ‘both lawful and necessary to prevent harm to the public and property’, and that no criminal investigation or internal misconduct proceedings would follow.

The officer has ‘individual learning’ to do – but will not face any disciplinary action. 

The force was heavily criticised after footage was posted online of Beau Lucy being taken down shortly after midnight on June 15. 

The calf was seen bolting through the streets before a 4×4 can be heard revving up – then charging into the cow twice. 

A police officer who rammed a calf called Beau Lucy has been cleared of wrongdoing and will return to frontline duties, Surrey Police said. Horrifying footage showed police driving into the cow twice in a bid to subdue it

The officer had been suspended from frontline duties following the incident, during which the cow sustained a large cut to her leg as well as other superficial injuries.

Former Home Secretary James Cleverly had described the tactics as ‘unnecessarily heavy-handed’ while wildlife campaigner and Springwatch presenter Chris Packham had called for the officer involved to be prosecuted.

But Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp said today the decision to clear the officer had been reached following a ‘diligent and thorough’ investigation.

He said: ‘We appreciate the strength of feeling which remains in relation to this incident, which is why we committed to conducting a diligent and thorough investigation to determine whether any criminal offences had taken place in relation to the actions taken by Surrey Police on the night.

‘This involved gathering substantial amounts of video evidence, as well as speaking to witnesses, and animal welfare specialists to help inform the senior investigating officer’s (SIO) decision making. 

‘After investigating for five months, the SIO found that while there is necessary organisational learning in relation to how we handle loose livestock, no criminal offences were made out and therefore no further action should be taken against those who were involved.

‘This determination was supported by the head of professional standards for Surrey Police who subsequently reviewed whether there was any potential misconduct.

‘They determined a need for individual learning, but that no further action is taken in relation to misconduct. The driver of the vehicle will return to frontline duties in due course.’

DCC Kemp added that his force would learn from the incident should it have to respond to loose livestock again in future.

‘We have reviewed the recommendations made by the SIO and experts in this area, and will be working to address these promptly, sharing any best practice with forces across the UK,’ he said.

Beau Lucy is well and remains at her farm, Surrey Police added. Her owner had told Channel 5 news shortly after the incident that she was ‘sulky and bruised’ but in otherwise ‘remarkable condition’.

The incident outraged the black calf’s owners after she got loose from Staines Moor, where she and other cows had been put out to graze. They believe she may have swam across a nearby river to make her escape.

Kate, the partner of Rob, the farmer that owns the cow, said following the ramming: ‘Honestly, when I saw the video, I thought he should lose his job. I just thought it was disgusting, I couldn’t believe it.

‘I don’t know if it was his decision to drive at the animal or whether he was instructed to, but the police, when they got out of the car looked pretty agitated themselves.’

Rob believed the situation could have been dealt with by way of a tranquilising dart.

He added at the time: ‘I think the video speaks for itself. It was quite horrific. The method of dealing with the situation was incorrect.

‘It was wrong and I think that’s the message we’ve learned. It could have been handled so much better. The videos were an upsetting sight.’

Police were further criticised after the incident as it emerged officers had handed Beau Lucy over to a pair of travellers who offered to look after the calf – then charged Rob and Kate a ‘recovery fee’.

Surrey Police said it would make a compassionate payment to the cow’s owner to cover this cost.

Despite intense criticism, livestock experts had defended the officer’s actions in attempting to subdue the cow.

Hugh Broom, National Farmers’ Union’s South East livestock chairman, said although the footage looked ‘horrendous’, officers probably ‘did the right thing at the time’. 

This is a breaking story – more to follow.