Raging bull spooked by marching band goes on the rampage

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Terrified Kate Palmer, 55, was leading the normally placid animal - called Red Down Defendant - on a rope at the event's opening procession.

All was going well until the marching band hit a crescendo of drums and symbols which sent Red Down Defendant into a panic and he lurched forward.

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Terrified Kate Palmer, 55, was leading the normally placid animal - called Red Down Defendant - on a rope at the event's opening procession

Organic farmer Kate was sent crashing to the tarmac road and dragged several feet as the beefy beast ran towards a crowd of 1,500 spectators.

Disaster was only avoided when a brave farmer dashed in front of the bull as he sped through the high street in Witheridge, Devon.

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Red Down Defendant was sent into a panic by the marching band and he lurched forward.

He managed to calm the Ruby Red bull down and the village's St John's Fair continued without further drama. Mother-of-two Kate, chairman of Witheridge Parish Council, said:

"Everything was calm and fine when suddenly the marching band clashed all their symbols and drums at the same time.

"It was just too much for Red Down and he just leapt forward in terror and totally floored me. I was literally left on my hands and knees, it was a bit of a shock.

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Organic farmer Kate was sent crashing to the tarmac road and dragged several feet

"Luckily Ruby Red's are a calmer breed of bull and Red Down is usually so well-behaved. Normally he's like a pussy cat.

"We were walking along one minute and the next I was on the floor. I was pretty shaken up and have been left with a few bruises and a stiff hand.

"But I suppose we are lucky, it could have been much worse if he wasn't caught so quickly.

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Disaster was only avoided when a brave farmer dashed in front of the bull as he sped through the high street in Witheridge, Devon

"He was calm enough for the rest of the day for young children to come up and pat him." Red Down was leading the procession to the fair which was also hosting the Devon Town Criers Championship.

One onlooker said: "I felt quite sorry for the bull really because he was just walking around on his lead being very docile when the band obviously gave him a fright.

"He bolted and ran dragging Kate to the ground. Then this man ran out with his arms raised and managed to calm him, it was very brave."

Later that day Red Down faced his fears - and was introduced to the marching band with no problems.