A wild stag which was "running wild" in Belfast has been shot dead by police.
The animal was said to have narrowly missed several motorists on the Gilnahirk Road in the east of the city in the early hours of this morning.
Police said they tried unsuccessfully to contain the stag.
Inspector Eastwood said: "As the stag was in an extremely agitated and dangerous state, running wild in a densely populated area and posed a danger to motorists, police shot the animal dead."
September to November is rutting season for stags and they can be extremely aggressive and dangerous if approached.
The animal was said to have been humanely shot and died instantly.
Last week a seven-year-old girl was gored by a stag in south-west London.
In 2016 police also shot dead a stag in Newry, saying it had become "very agitated and posed a risk to the public".
