Man becomes second victim in 10 days to be killed by cows in northern England

A pensioner has died after being charged by cows, meaning two people in northern England have been killed in such circumstances this month.

Malcolm Flynn was walking along the Pennine Way near Thirlwall Castle and Gisland in Northumberland when the animals stampeded.

The 72-year-old from Carlisle was so badly injured during the incident that he died at the scene.

The tragedy on 11 September – revealed by police on Friday – occurred just 10 days before popular school teacher David Clark was killed by a herd of cows while walking his dog near Richmond in North Yorkshire.

The deputy head at Richmond School was described by principal Jenna Potter as “an enormous character, a brilliant school leader and simply a lovely man who enriched the life of everyone he came into contact with”.

Referring to Mr Flynn’s death, Detective Chief Inspector Jane Fairlamb, of Northumbria Police, said: “My thoughts are with Malcolm’s family and friends at this time as they come to terms with the loss of a loved one in what was a shocking and tragic incident.

“Our investigation is very much ongoing and we have already spoken to a number of witnesses, however, we are still trying to trace a number of people who were in the area at the time who we haven’t yet spoken to, and think could greatly assist our inquiries.”

She added that Mr Flynn was walking with a companion at the time and said officers were especially interested in speaking to a white man with grey hair and beard walking a dog who passed the pair shortly before the incident, as well as a man and woman, believed to be in their 40s.

A group of four other hikers who spoke to Flynn’s walking companion immediately after the incident are also urged to get in touch with police.

Some 98 people have been killed by cows in the UK over the last 20 years, according to the government’s Health and Safety Executive – 22 members of the public and 76 farm workers.