CONFUSED residents awoke to find two escaped cows in their front garden.

A video has emerged on social media this morning of the animals in the garden of a property in Kents Hill, Benfleet.

Residents can be seen stroking the relatively calm animals, which are believed to be two young bulls.

Essex Police officers were at the scene assisting with the safe collection of the animals and the force's Facebook page has confirmed they were called to assist.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Night turn Local Policing Team  received multiple reports of two cows roaming through Benfleet in the early hours of the morning.

"E Shift Local Policing Team early turn saddled up and helped corral two cows down Kents Hill Road to safety.

"We wish to pass on our thanks, to residents and members of the public who assisted in tracking down the owners.

"The owners were traced, and the cows returned back the two miles to the farm they had escaped from."

Echo: Picture: Essex PolicePicture: Essex Police

By the end of the video the young bulls are herded into a transporter box and presumably safely on their way home.