Border Telegraph | News | PC Turnbull takes bull by the horns

Wednesday, 20th August, 2008

Published: Tuesday, 3rd June, 2008 12:00

PC Turnbull takes bull by the horns

By Rory Watt

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A FORMER Scotland rugby player who tackled a runaway bull which had gone on the rampage in Galashiels has been honoured for his bravery.

Pc Derek Turnbull, capped five times for his country in the 1990’s, saved a local pensioner from being attacked by a runaway bull by shouting at the 38-month-old Highland bull with full horns after it escaped from the abattoir in Langlee.

He received a Chief Constable’s commendation at the Lothian and Borders Police awards ceremony last week.

Police chased the bull and during the pursuit it struck their van with its horns. Staff at the slaughterhouse have described the bull as “enraged and out of control”.

Pc Turnbull said: “I caught up with the bull just as it entered a housing estate – I grew up on a farm so I was quite comfortable facing the animal.”

A pensioner who was watching the action from outside his home was then targeted by the bull as it jumped over a small hedge and charged at the man.

This was when Pc Turnbull intervened.

“It jumped the hedge and cornered him but quickly I got there on time and helped the man escape,” he said.

A fellow officer then helped Pc Turnbull escape by cornering the bull with his police van.

“It was quite an eventful day, but I felt quite safe facing it up”.

The animal was then caught in a nearby garden where it was contained and destroyed.

Pc Turnbull added: “I didn’t really expect to be given any kind of official recognition as it’s all in a day’s work really, but I’m so proud to be given this award.”

Lothian and Borders Police praised his actions following the incident in November 2006. In his commendation, the force said: “Constable Turnbull acted with complete disregard for his own safety and this was an act entirely driven with the intention of protecting another’s life.”

Pc Victoria Wood, a policewoman from Selkirk also received a Chief Constable’s Commendation at the same Lothian and Borders award ceremony for her actions in arresting an armed man who had stabbed two people in Galashiels in August 2006.

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