Armed Police Called Over Escaped Water Buffalo

Armed police were called to deal with a water buffalo that had escaped from a farm in Staffordshire.

A man was left with a serious leg injury after being knocked over by the buffalo near a primary school in Seighford, near Stafford, at about 1.20pm.

Emergency services had been alerted by a 999 call reporting that the buffalo "had escaped its paddock and was on the loose" in the village.

Police issued a warning to parents due to collect their children from school, tweeting that armed officers were in the area.

They added: "We would like to reassure parents ... there is no risk to them or their children."

A slaughterman was called to kill the animal.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said they were also called to the scene but, as the buffalo was not nearby at that stage, they were able to treat the injured man.

A spokesman said: "The two paramedics administered treatment on scene to stabilise his condition before taking him to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further assessment and treatment."