Early on Friday morning, January 16, a deer involved in a collision near the M5 was humanely euthanized by armed police in Tewkesbury. At approximately 5:40am, authorities were alerted to a report that a vehicle had struck the animal on Northway Lane, a bridge over the M5 motorway.
Upon arrival, officers found the deer severely injured and in distress. To prevent the animal from enduring prolonged pain, the decision was made to euthanize it humanely. A nearby witness reported hearing a single gunshot at around 5:45am, coinciding with police presence on the Northway Bridge.
A Gloucestershire Police spokesperson confirmed the steps taken, stating that the deer was dispatched swiftly to avoid unnecessary suffering following the accident. The incident highlights the urgent response measures taken by local police to manage wildlife emergencies safely and compassionately.