diff --git a/src/mhitu.c b/src/mhitu.c
index 412ccc717..09325af0a 100644
--- a/src/mhitu.c
+++ b/src/mhitu.c
@@ -671,7 +671,15 @@ mattacku(struct monst *mtmp)
        also, were creature might change from human to animal or vice versa */
     if (mtmp->cham == NON_PM && !mtmp->mcan && !range2
         && (is_demon(mdat) || is_were(mdat))) {
+        boolean already_fleeing = mtmp->mflee != 0;
+
         summonmu(mtmp, youseeit);
+        /* were-creature might have changed to beast form; if that has
+           caused it to become afraid (due to non-human reacting to scroll
+           of scare monster or engraved "Elbereth" which was being ignored
+           while in human form), don't continue this attack */
+        if (mtmp->mflee && !already_fleeing)
+            return 0;
         mdat = mtmp->data; /* update cached value in case of were change */
     }