Armed police descend on Stafford to catch water buffalo on the loose
Armed police were sent to a village near Stafford after an escaped water buffalo left a man needing hospital treatment.
Staffordshire Police were alerted to the animal on the loose in the Seighford area earlier this afternoon.
The police force issued a warning around 2.30pm to pupils at nearby Cooper Perry Primary School not to be alarmed by police officers carrying guns.
The statement said: "We are currently dealing with an incident in Seighford which requires the presence of armed officers.
"We would like to reassure parents collecting pupils from Cooper Perry Primary School that there is no risk to them or their children.
"Please comply with any requests officers may make in relation to this incident."
By 3.50pm, reports said the animal had been 'contained' and later revealed it had been killed humanely by a specialist.
One man was taken to hospital after being knocked over by the animal.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said a man in his 30s suffered leg injuries after been hit by the buffalo.
He was taken to Royal Stoke hospital for further treatment.
