Elderly woman is trampled by cows

An elderly woman was treated in hospital after being trampled by a herd of cows in Cumbria.

The 82-year-old was walking her dog at Marsh farm in Askam-in-Furness on Monday evening when the animals charged at her, police said.

She was taken to Furness General Hospital, where she was treated for bruising and rib injuries.

Cumbria Police said it was likely the cows attacked the woman to protect newborn calves from her dog.

The force has issued a warning to walkers in the area to be aware of the dangers of walking dogs near cows.

Last year a 45-yearold woman from Greystoke Gill, near Penrith, underwent brain surgery following a similar incident.

A Cumbria Police spokesman said: "Cows that have young calves can react violently if they think a dog may attack their young.

"We would warn anyone to be extremely careful if the out walking with a dog in open fields."