Residents in Middleton-on-Sea were left udderley amoosed after dozens of cows staged a surprise escape and took a leisurely stroll through a residential street.
Around 30 of the animals were spotted wandering along Silver Birch Drive at around 6pm yesterday, turning a quiet evening into something of a real-life farmyard drama.
Witnesses say the herd appeared calm but clearly out of place, as they hoofed it past houses, leaving residents both startled and amused. Some even paused to capture the unexpected sight on their phones, as the cows milked the moment.
Police were called amid concerns the wandering herd could reach nearby main roads and cause disruption or maybe a serious accident. Officers attended the scene to help manage the situation and ensure the animals and public stayed safe.
Sussex Police spokesperson said: "Police received a report at around 5.30pm on Wednesday 15 April of cattle on the carriageway in Yapton Road, Bognor Regis.
"Officers attended the location to ensure public safety and contacted the landowners. The cattle were subsequently returned safely to their farm.
There were no reports of any injuries."
Local resident Mark Lyons was among those who stepped in to help. Along with other neighbours, he worked to gently guide the cows away from the road and back towards safety.
Video (C) Mark Lyons - permission to use given to V2 Radio Ltd.
Mark said the scene was hard to believe, describing it as something you would expect to see in the countryside rather than the middle of a housing estate.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the situation was quickly brought under control.
It’s not every day Middleton-on-Sea residents find themselves in the middle of a cow breakout – but for those who witnessed it, it’s certainly a story that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.
LISTEN: Cows escape in Middleton-on-Sea
V2 Radio's News Editor Philip Keeler chats to Mark Lyons to find out how events unfolded.
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