A buffalo that was about to be slaughtered for a religious rite escaped and attacked spectators in Indonesia.

The sacrificial farm animal for Eid al-Adha snapped the rope off the pole it was tethered to while the villagers prayed in Riau province on July 9.

It then went on a rampage and furiously attacked anyone in its path while frantic devotees tried to restrain it.

Footage shows the creature chasing villagers and ramming them with its horns while two men pulled its reins.

Shaken onlooker Aprinald said: ‘It was so scary. The buffalo was goring people with its horns.'

Another buffalo seen lying on the ground was previously slaughtered. Locals believe the escaped animal sensed its impending demise, causing it to go berserk.

No one was seriously hurt in the incident but dozens of villagers were left injured.

Resident Aprinald added: ‘There were several people who had minor injuries. Most of them were sprained or had bumps.'

The buffalo rampaged through the property for about ten minutes before it was caught by residents and the ritual proceeded.