A POLICE officer euthanised a young cow last night after it was struck by a car on Minchinhampton Common.

The cow is thought to have gone through the windscreen and peeled the roof off the car.

Eyewitnesses on the scene reported that the cow had two broken legs, amongst other injuries and was suffering before officers arrived at the scene and made the decision to euthanise the cow.

A post on the community page Kill Your Speed, Not Us said: "We would like to thank the brave police officer who in extremely difficult circumstances euthanised a young cow last night who was struck by a car.

It is not easy drawing a firearm on an animal for the first time and no doubt this may effect him for years to come. We hope he does not face any disciplinary proceedings for his bravery! Gloucestershire Police should be proud of him today.

"The cow went through the windscreen and peeled the roof off the car.

"The driver could have easily been fatally wounded, but luckily was just bruised & cut from the force of windscreen landing on their lap.

"The cow received two broken front legs, a horn was snapped clean off and blood was pouring from its nose and mouth, it was suffering.

"The speed of the car basically smashed this poor young cow to bits but it did not die outright.

"Thankfully armed police attended the scene.

"Thoughts are with the police who attended and the farmer who is very upset as he loves his animals."

Gloucestershire Police have been contacted for a comment.