A policeman used a stick to tackle a rampaging bull in northern India.

The farm animal was charging through the busy roads when concerned locals called officers in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, on April 19.

Police Inspector Sushil Kumar Patel said the out-of-control animal had been charging at pedestrians, sparking panic.

Council staff from the animal department along with a policeman reached the scene and used large sticks to stun the beast. It was later tranquilised and tied with a rope before being led away.

Indias consider cows and bulls to be sacred animals so they are rarely slaughtered once they become an economic burden.

Farmers release them, leading to large numbers of the animals roaming the streets and often causing mayhem.