A COW which went on the rampage after escaping from an auction market has been shot dead by a police marksman.

The cow went on the loose from Darlington Auction Market, in Clifton Road, Darlington, before 9am this morning.

Four farmers tried to bring the cow under control after it ran towards cars, vans and residents in the direction of South Park.

Police officers were called and because neither a slaughterman was available nor local vets able to assist, a marksman was brought in. He killed the cow at 9.40am.

There have been no reported injuries.