Man trampled by a herd of cattle

A pensioner is on a life support machine in hospital after being trampled by a herd of cows in County Durham.

The 79-year-old man was walking his dog in a field of cows and calves at Mickleton, Middleton-in-Teesdale, on Saturday afternoon.

Police said the cows became agitated at the presence of the dog and knocked the man to the ground.

He was treated at Darlington Memorial Hospital for head injuries.

However, his condition worsened on Sunday and the man was transferred to the intensive care unit.

A Durham Police spokesman said on Monday his condition was very poorly.

The man's dog is being cared for at the farm where the incident happened.