Farmer trampled by 'frightened' cows dies

An elderly farmer who was trampled when his cows were apparently scared by a fire engine, has died, police said today.

Harold Lee, 75, was riding a quad bike at the back of the 100-strong dairy herd as he and son Richard were taking the animals to be milked.

It is understood a fire engine on its way to a road accident was coming in the opposite direction as the pair made their way to Robins Farm, Burtle in Somerset.

Avon and Somerset police confirmed they were investigating the possibility that the herd was startled by the fire engine's sirens.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service is due to release a statement later today.

Mr Lee was left in a critical condition after suffering head and chest injuries. He was airlifted to Royal United Hospital, Bath, after the incident before being transferred to Frenchay, Bristol.

After the incident last Tuesday, Mr Lee's son Andrew told the Bridgwater Mercury: "I was working on the farm and I had a phone call from my brother Richard saying a fire engine had frightened the cows and father was hurt.

"When I got there father was semi-conscious and trying to talk."

He added: "It is very sad and we feel this should not have happened."