A BULL that has been on the loose in South Essex for almost six months is continuing its rampage around country roads.

A member of the public encountered the gigantic beast in the middle of Outwood Common Road, Billericay, near to Norsey Woods, on Tuesday.

Later that evening, police were called to Potash Road to reports that a bull had been hit by a car.

An Essex Police spokesman said that they had numerous calls over the evening to say that the bull had been spotted.

He said: “At around 9.30pm on Tuesday, police received reports that a bull had been seen in Ramsden Heath, Billericay. A car collided with the animal shortly afterwards. Nobody was injured.

“The bull was subsequently reported to have been seen by additional witnesses and a search was conducted of the surrounding area.

“It was not located.”

The bull has reportedly been loose for the last five months it has been involved in two crashes in that time.

In June, two cows escaped from their feed in Billericay and officers were tasked to find them after they were spotted on roads and in gardens.

Officers made the decision to kill one of the escaped cows after it became aggressive and posed a risk to members of the public.

David Dadds, councillor for Billericay East ward, said that animals the size of a bull being on the loose should be a major concern for motorists who use country roads.

He said that crashing into an animal that size can only end badly.

Mr Dadds said: “I am concerned that this bull is remaining free and there is a concern for the welfare of the public, pedestrians as well as motorists.I will be in touch with the council to see if they can write to the animal’s owner to see if the bull can be re-captured.”

Crashes involving animals have become a more regular occurrence in South Essex. Andrew Moring, councillor for the Eastwood Park ward in Southend, said that incidents involving animals were not as common but urged drivers to remain vigilant.

“He said: “Drivers should not try to antagonise the animals, reverse and drive in the opposite direction.”