Two "dangerous" bullocks caused havoc today when they escaped from a livestock market and made a run for freedom towards the A120.

After evading capture for nearly two hours police marksmen were forced to shoot both animals.

The two bullocks broke out of Colchester Cattle Market, Wyncolls Road, shortly before 9.10am and split up.

One got through a fence, made it down the Ardleigh Crown sliproad on to the A120 and headed off towards Harwich along the embankment before going down towards the railway.

Railtrack was informed the bullock was near the main line before it was brought down. The other went for hedges at the back of the former Trebor factory and began roaming the site.

Police launched the force helicopter to help round up the stray steers and stationed traffic units in front and behind the bullock.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: "They were a danger to traffic and the public. The helicopter was there to keep an eye on them."

She said officers were on standby to close the A120 while the bullock was kept under observation on the embankment but in the end it was not necessary.

Managers at the market were out dealing with the escape and so were unavailable for comment.

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