Even the cows joined in the mayhem outside the EU's headquarters in Brussels yesterday when 3,000 angry farmers besieged the building to protest about plunging milk prices.

This farmer calmly began milking his cow in the road as the demonstrators tried to reach the building, directing a jet of fresh milk at a line of riot police who had to use their shields to protect themselves from the white fusillade.

But the jittery cow was frightened by firecrackers, sprang loose and chased an office worker down the street before it was recaptured by the farmers.