Staines: Police driver who hit cow cleared of wrongdoing

A police officer who sparked 2,000 complaints by ramming a cow on a road is returning to duty after an investigation cleared him of wrongdoing.

The cow, named Beau Lucy, was struck in Staines-upon-Thames at 00:30 BST on 15 June, leading to more than 2,000 complaints from the public after a video clip of the cow being struck twice was shared on social media.

More than 250 pieces of video footage, 75 witness statements and animal welfare specialists were reviewed, police said.

“While footage of the incident was distressing in nature, those involved in the incident acted within their duties, and the tactics adopted were both lawful and necessary to prevent harm to the public and property,” a spokesperson said.

“As such, no further action will be taken in either the criminal investigation, or the internal misconduct matter.”

Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp said the incident highlighted several issues in relation to how the police respond to a loose livestock incident.

“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,” he said.

“We have already made changes to our protocol for loose livestock.”

The revised protocol includes specialist roads policing team being deployed to support road and public safety, and that early contact is made with Surrey Fire & Rescue Service to utilise their capability and expertise.

The cow was well and remained at the farm with her herd.

Beau Lucy had been on the loose since about 21:00 the previous day, police said.

The day after the incident Surrey Police announced the driver involved had been removed from front line duties.