Police shot dead a rare white deer after it was seen running through Bootle.
Local residents were shocked at the sight of the wild animal venturing through streets in the area as early as 8.45am on Sunday morning.
Officers were advised by the RSPCA to allow the fallow buck to remain undisturbed so that it would eventually return to its natural habitat.
However the decision was taken to euthanise the deer amid concerns that its continued presence in the area was dangerious to motorists and pedestrians.
A veterinary surgeon was called to monitor the animal’s welfare and assist attempts to control it in a secure area of an industrial estate near Melling Road.
The force’s actions were widely condemned on social media but Deputy Chief Constable Ian Critchley insists the move was carried out with best intentions.
He said: “At the heart of our decision making was first of all the safety of the public, and the risk that a distressed deer in a built up environment presented to motorists, cyclists, pedestrians.
“But also right at the centre of the decisions we made was the deer itself, as such from the outset the aim was to sedate and move the deer safely to a rural environment.
“In conjunction with advice from a local vet the attempts over nine hours were made to tranquilise the deer and a rural location was identified to safely transfer it, to minimise further distress and ensure its safety.
“Despite several tranquiliser darts being successfully deployed into the deer, this failed to sedate the animal.
“At 6.35pm following further discussion with the vet and the animal still being in considerable distress, and with the light fading, the really difficult decision had to be made to destroy the deer.
“All the officers at scene were absolutely gutted at having to shoot the animal.
“The officers had been engaged for nine hours at the incident and had been actively trying to capture the deer for more than five hours so were totally committed to relocating the animal.
“However, we had to ensure that a distressed deer did not present any danger to public safety.
“I respect people will have different views, but I can categorically say every single effort was made to save and relocate the deer and I am proud of all my officers who were involved in this difficult and challenging incident.”