THIS is the moment a herd of cows ‘hoofed’ it through Hoylake, much to the surprise of those living nearby.

Residents of Carr Lane were shocked to see the 17-strong herd when they looked out of their windows this morning.

Marc Johnson, who captured the cattle on film in what could be misteaken from a Benny Hill sketch, said: “It really wasn’t what I expected to see when I opened the curtains this morning.”

The cows had managed to escape from a nearby farm through a fallen fence, before causing havoc on the industrial state for the best part of an hour.

The cows started their stampede by running down cul-de-sac Edward Road, before mooo’ving on to pastures new.

Marc added: “The cows were then pursued down the road by the street's inhabitants in an attempt to return them to the field, however this wasn't the case as they turned right and headed towards George Road.

“At that point myself, along with several other perplexed locals, alerted Merseyside police who informed us that they would keep an eye on the incident.

“The cows were chased down a public footpath and into another field.”

Merseyside Police confirmed it had received reports about the escape cattle and said no damage or injury was caused during the incident.

A spokesman said: “Residents clubbed together and managed to secure the cows in a field.”