This is the shocking moment a ram chased a terrified child through the streets.

Footage shows the toddler sprinting away from the visibly agitated horned beast as it charges towards the youngster in Tibet, China.

The boy dashed across the pavement with the creature just inches behind him on December 19.

The woman filming the scene can be heard bursting into laughter at the chase.

Moments later, the child ran towards an elderly woman sitting with her friends and hid behind her for protection.

This prompted the ram to stop in its tracks. When it attempted to butt the child, the pensioner pushed the animal back with her bare hand.

Realising it could not reach the boy, the ram stood still for a moment before wandering away.

The youngster did not sustain any injuries during the encounter.

A ram's headbutt can exert almost 800 pounds of force. Research suggests that when a ram attacks, it is attempting to assert dominance over humans, perceiving them as part of the flock.

Animal behaviourist Mark Vette said: 'It's common to encounter rogue rams, either with unusually high testosterone levels or those that haven't socialised with humans much at all.'