Farmer crushed to death by cow

A farmer has died after being crushed in a field by one of his cows.

David Hallworth, 50, suffered head and chest injuries in the accident at his remote farm in the Peak District.

An air ambulance took him to hospital but he was dead when he arrived.

The half-ton heifer is believed to have fallen over on Mr Hallworth, crushing his upper body. An inquest is expected to open this week.

Neighbours in the isolated community of High Peak, Derbyshire, paid tribute to a 'lovely, generous guy'.

Farmers' leaders said incidents of cows killing farmers were rare.

Carl Hudspith, from the National Farmers' Union, said: "We are aware of the dangers because the animals are unpredictable. Bulls are usually the biggest problem.

"Farmers are trained to use their judgment and that comes with experience.

"They have grown up with the risks. The weather could have been a factor. We won't know until the inquest is held."

Derbyshire Police said: "The Health and Safety Executive are investigating and we are preparing a report for the coroner."

Mr Hallworth is the third person to be killed by livestock in recent months.

Last July, Joseph Hanrahan, 65, was trampled to death by a herd of cows while walking his dog in a field at Bamfurlong, Wigan.

He died on the day farmer John Pennington, 68, was killed when he was charged by a bull at Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester.