A DEER was left dying in agony after impaling itself on a church fence in front of horrified locals.
The badly injured animal was found suffering on the fence surrounding Christ Church in Walshaw, near Bolton.
Cops rushed to the scene as the horror unfolded, with the High Street shut while the stricken deer was dealt with.
Images showed several marked and unmarked police cars blocking the road.
The tragedy left witnesses deeply upset as the animal endured serious injuries.
One person described the scene as “so sad”, while another called it “very upsetting”, reports Bolton News.
Many said euthanasia would have been “the right thing to do” to end the poor animal’s suffering.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed the deer had been seriously injured after impaling itself.
A spokesperson said: “We were called to reports that a deer had impaled itself and it was badly injured.
“The deer has been removed, and the officers arranged for street cleansing to take place, which has now been completed.”
The force later confirmed the deer had died from its injuries.
However, cops did not confirm reports from witnesses that armed officers had euthanised the animal.
Reports of the incident and the resulting road closure began circulating on social media earlier this morning.
The exact circumstances of how the deer came to impale itself on the church fence have not been confirmed by emergency services.
The High Street was left disrupted as officers dealt with the aftermath.
Street cleansing was arranged by police after the animal was removed.
The road has since been cleared following the grim ordeal.