Farmer is killed by charging bull

Mr Pennington had two sons and a daughter

A farmer has died after he was attacked by a bull in Greater Manchester.

William John Pennington, 68, of Dunham Massey, near Altrincham, was apparently tossed in the air by the bull in a field near his home early on Thursday.

He was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital where he later died from his injuries. The bull was put down by vets a few hours after the attack.

Police have opened an inquiry, but say there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

The incident happened at about 0625 BST.

Mr Pennington, a father of three, is believed to have lived on the farm for more than 65 years and ran it with his two sons.

Mr Pennington received severe chest injuries

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "His family are at the hospital now and a crime scene has been set up at the farm.

"We have little information at the moment, but this was clearly a nasty attack.

"We understand that the farmer had already sustained very serious injuries by the time paramedics reached him.

"Part of the problem initially was that the bull was still in the field, and farm workers had to move the animal so that it was safe for the emergency team to move in."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Ambulance Service said: "We understand that he was flipped into the air by the bull and received severe chest injuries as a result."