SPECTATORS AT Perth Show escaped injury yesterday after a Charolais heifer broke free and ran the length of the South Inch showground.

The crowds scattered as the animal made its bid for freedom, remaining at large for around 10 minutes.

Pursued by show officials and passers-by, the animal was eventually subdued and led back to safety.

“It was quite a dramatic sight— people including kids had to leap out of the way as it ran back and forth,” said one spectator.

“If it had collided with someone they could have been badly hurt.”

Perth Show secretary Neil Forbes was just grateful that all ended well. “It was a Charolais heifer which was quickly caught and no one was hurt, that is the main thing,” said Mr Forbes.

“We have a really good team who are highly experienced who dealt with this.”

This year the show was playing host to the Scottish and Northern Charolais Club National Show.