Police officers in Wiltshire were forced to deploy riot shields and a lasso to safely apprehend an escaped goat that went on a rampage through a quiet village.
A Festive Feast Turns Chaotic
The incident unfolded on Thursday morning in Upper Seagry, near Chippenham. According to eyewitness accounts reported by the BBC, the goat was first spotted attempting to eat oranges from a Christmas wreath, before its antics escalated.
The animal was then seen chasing a woman around the village, prompting calls to the authorities. Officers from Chippenham Response, PC Ferris and PC Miller, were dispatched to deal with the unusual situation.
A Robust Police Response
Body-worn camera footage from the Wiltshire Police reveals the scale of the challenge. Officers can be heard discussing the goat's temperament, with one remarking, "It is actually quite aggressive", as the animal headbutted a riot shield.
Using Public Order Unit (PSU) shields for protection, the team attempted to secure the goat with a lasso. "We've got it on a towline, we've got some PSU shields because he is trying to butt my head," an officer stated, also noting the animal's substantial size.
The operation hit a brief snag when the goat managed to slip free from the lasso and bolt down the road, but police swiftly recaptured it. Further footage released by the force shows the persistent mammal even trying to eat safety equipment from the boot of a police car.
Safe Return After Village Adventure
Despite the dramatic capture, the outcome was a happy one. A Wiltshire Police spokesperson confirmed that the officers "swiftly responded, controlled the situation and returned the goat to his owner" without any serious injury.
The event provided a memorable and somewhat surreal moment for the residents of Upper Seagry, demonstrating that police work in rural communities can sometimes require unorthodox methods to ensure public safety—and the safe return of adventurous livestock.
