Terrified revellers leaped from their seats as a rampaging buffalo charged towards them before injuring three people.

The drinkers were sitting outside a bar when the enraged beast came running down the street in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, on June 8.

Footage shows how the animal used its deadly horns to knock over a motorcycle rider. Three others including a tourist standing outside a massage shop were also injured and taken to the hospital to be treated for their injuries.

A local animal rescue team later caught the five-year-old farm animal after it exhausted itself and fell into an open manhole. They later returned to its relieved owner who agreed to pay for the damage caused.

Locals said they were shocked to see the animal charging down the road, which was captured on CCTV.

Cafe owner Peeranut said: 'It was terrifying for my customers. They were drinking and having a relaxing time when the buffalo suddenly charged towards them. Fortunately they were not injured but other people were.'

Residents called the emergency services who arrived to find the beast had plunged into a 6ft deep hole that had been dug to move power lines underground.

A rescue team used tranquilizers and brought in a crane to carefully winch the buffalo to safety.

The owner, Suphanat, said he had recently bought the buffalo along with four others from a nearby market. It had been due to be slaughtered but broke free from a truck.

He said: 'This buffalo was very aggressive. I don't know how it escaped. It must be very strong. From now on, I'll be more careful.'

Officials from the local council have bought the buffalo and will keep it as a residential animal in a park.