Armed Police Shoot Bull After It Wanders Onto North Yorkshire Railway Line

Armed officers were called to a railway line in North Yorkshire after a bull strayed onto the tracks, prompting safety concerns for passengers, rail staff and the wider public.

North Yorkshire Police said they received the initial report at 9.13am on Wednesday, January 14, after the animal was seen between Brayton level crossing and Selby station. In response, Network Rail shut sections of the route to prevent trains entering the area, while police worked alongside British Transport Police, Network Rail staff and livestock handlers to manage the situation.

A drone was deployed to help locate and monitor the bull as efforts were made to contain it or guide it away from the live railway. However, police said the animal could not be safely controlled or moved to a place of safety.

In a statement, the force said the bull “could not be safely contained or directed away from the live railway” and was continuing to pose a serious risk to trains and infrastructure. Armed officers were therefore authorised to shoot the animal. No injuries were reported, although rail services in the area were disrupted.

Police also explained why alternative methods were ruled out, saying tranquilising the bull was “not a safe or practical option”. Sedatives can take several minutes to take effect, during which time the animal could still move unpredictably and pose a danger to the public and the railway in an uncontrolled environment.

Inspector Rob Campbell, Neighbourhood Policing, Selby, said:

"This was an exceptionally complex situation and we understand the concern it may cause. Our duty is to protect life and keep people safe. Together with BTP, Network Rail and livestock handlers, we tried to contain and move the animal away from danger. Unfortunately, the bull continued to pose a serious and immediate risk on the railway. As a last resort, and with the appropriate legal authority in place, specialist officers humanely dispatched the animal to prevent any wider risk to the public. We’re grateful to passengers and local residents for their patience during the disruption."

Image: North Yorkshire Police