A rare white deer was shot dead by a police marksman as it ran wild through the streets.

The animal was killed as it roamed Bootle in Merseyside.

The RSPCA had recommended leaving the deer alone – adding it would find its way back home.

But Merseyside Police decided to shoot the animal as it posed a possible threat to people and motorists.

Officers cornered the fallow buck on an industrial estate.

The force says a vet was called to check the deer’s condition and recommend how best controlling it.

However, the police were “unable to get assistance or find an organisation who could assist with recovering the deer safely”.

By now the deer was “distressed”.

A Merseyside Force spokesman said:

“There was no option to let the deer wander as it could be a danger to motorists and members of the public in the area, particularly as the hours of darkness approached.

“As a result, a decision was made in the early evening to euthanise the deer.”

An RSPCA spokeswoman the deer could have been sedated.

“However, this needs to be done with caution in a public area as the deer could startle and run when hit by the dart.

“This could create a bigger public safety and animal welfare issue.

“Although deer traditionally live in forests, moors and parkland, they are becoming more common in urban environments across the UK.”