A bull named Pajarito, or “Little Birdy”, escaped into the crowded stands at the most famous bullfighting ring in Mexico City and injured several spectators before being killed.
Television pictures showed the bull, which weighed 78-stone (500kg), jumping from the ring and into the stands, landing on spectators who tried to scatter as the animal roared through the aisles.
The bull easily cleared the wall around the bullring and a second, higher fence. Eventually one of the matadors crawled up into the stands and stabbed and killed the bull.
The bullfight resumed 30 minutes after the incident, which occurred during the second fight of the day.
At least two people were taken to hospital and the mayor promised to reinforce the ring to prevent another incident happening.