Hiker trampled by cows in Durham is critical

A hiker is critically ill after he was trampled by cows today.

The man, aged 46, suffered life-threatening injuries including a fractured skull, chest injuries and possible internal bleeding, the Great North Air Ambulance said.

Air ambulance paramedic Jane Peacock, who responded to the call near Barnard Castle, County Durham shortly after noon, said: "He and his wife were just walking on a public footpath when they were attacked by cows.

"He climbed over a stile on to the other side of the stone wall, then he just collapsed.

"His wife somehow escaped uninjured.

"He's done very well to get up and get away from them.

"How he's got out alive I do not know. He's very, very sick."

She said the man was flown to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough where he is undergoing tests and will be moved to intensive care or a high dependency unit when doctors know the full extent of his injuries.

Medics believe the man and his wife, from Halifax, West Yorkshire, were visiting the area on a day trip.

PA