A 10-month-old cow struck down by a police car on a residential street could be set to start a new life in the Kent countryside.

Beau Lucy was hit by the vehicle on Friday night (June 14) in Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey.

Despite surviving the shocking ordeal, the calf was left with a gash on her leg and superficial wounds.

Officers insist the cow was hit in a bid to protect the public after it escaped from its grazing field around five miles away.

However, the incident went viral online with members of the public and animal rights activists condemning the officer's actions.

Currently being looked after at her home farm with owners Rob and Kate, Beau's long-term future remains uncertain given the nature of the industry.

Yet she could be given a happy ending.

The Retreat Animal Rescue Farm Sanctuary in High Halden, Ashford has offered to give her a permanent new home.

Opened in 1989, the sanctuary offers support to farm animals including cows, chickens, sheep and pigs.

All are given long-term protection, veterinary care and love before being rehomed.

Those that are unable to find a suitable new home go on to stay at the retreat for the rest of their lives.

The attraction's founder, Billy Thompson, says the sanctuary "would love" to have Beau Lucy.

The 56-year-old explained: "We have more than 1,000 farm animals here already - including 18 cows - and a whole team of animal carers who would look after her.

"We have a young calf at the minute called Rosa who would be the best playmate.

"That and the environment we provide would make it a match made in heaven for her.

"We spend £300,000 each year caring for our animals so she would definitely win the lottery if she came here.

"Any cow living on a farm is not comparable to an animal sanctuary, so we would love to have her and watch her live hopefully until her mid-20s."

Mr Thompson believes last week's actions towards Beau Lucy show how farm animals are still looked down upon today.

"I just don't know what the person was thinking," he added.

"Everyone I have spoken to says the best thing would have been to calm the situation by trying to force her into a corner and then taking it from there.

"It just shows how little some people see the worth of an animal and what us as animal lovers are up against.

"The calf seemed to not be worthy of care, but more importantly it speaks volumes about how we as a country are no different to other countries in that we're pet-obsessed and that's it.

"Beyond cats and dogs, so many people don't appear to care about these animals."

A decision on Beau's future will remain in the hands of her Surrey owners.

It is believed The Retreat is one of the frontrunners should they decide to send her to a sanctuary.

If this happens, Beau's passport would be signed over to Billy and his husband Neil once she arrives at the site.

Following the incident, Deputy Chief Constable of Surrey Police, Nev Kemp, confirmed the officer driving the vehicle is no longer serving.

He said: “I fully appreciate the distress our handling of this incident has caused and will ensure that it is thoroughly and diligently investigated.

“In addition to an internal referral to our Professional Standards Department, we have also referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for independent consideration.

“At this time, the officer who was driving the police car has been removed from frontline duties pending the outcome of these investigations.

“I can confirm efforts were made on the night to contact local vets without success and efforts were simultaneously being made to identify the owner.

“Why these were unsuccessful and what more could and should have been done will form a key part of the investigation.”