A BULL has been shot dead by police after escaping from its field and endangering traffic on a Hampshire dual carriageway.

Officers were called to the busy A326 near Totton this afternoon after reports that the animal was on the loose and could cause an accident.

The A326 was closed near its junction with Salisbury Road as police closed in.

People on their way to and from the nearby Morrisons supermarket were among those caught up in the drama.

Police tried to contain the bull in a field but shot the animal amid fears that it could escape again.

A police spokesman said the alarm was raised shortly after 2pm.

She added: “The bull was seen heading northbound on the A326. Police closed in and had hoped to contain it in a field, but that was not possible.

“An armed officer shot the animal rather than risk it running off again. The owner has been informed.”

The bull was on the loose for about an hour but is not thought to have caused any accidents.