A 72-YEAR-OLD died of his injuries after being charged by a herd of cows.

Malcolm Flynn, of Carlisle, was out walking around the Cumbria and Northumberland border on September 11 when it is reported that he was seriously injured by cattle.

The incident took place at around 11.45am on land near Thirlwall Castle and Gilsland.

Emergency services attended the scene, but the 72-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Flynn’s family is being supported by specialist officers.

Yesterday, officers from Northumbria Police issued an urgent appeal asking for a number of witnesses believed to have been in the area at the time to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Jane Fairlamb from the force’s homicide and major Enquiry Team said: “My thoughts are with Malcom’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 enquiries.

“If you were near Thirlwall Castle, Gisland or the Walltown Country Park on September 11, we would be interested in hearing from you - especially if you saw Malcolm who is described as a white male in his 70s.

“He was wearing glasses and a sun hat, a t-shirt covered by a fleece, and a telescopic stick out walking with another male wearing walking boots, shorts and a fleece.”

Officers have also released the following descriptions of a number of people they are hoping can provide information:

l A white male with grey hair and a grey beard walking a dog is believed to have walked past the man and his friend shortly before the incident near a signpost on the footpath

l A male and female, believed to be in their forties, who spoke to the pair before they entered the field

l A group of four walkers who spoke with the Malcolm’s walking companion immediately after the incident and offered to alert the farmer, as well as another male who entered the field in a bid to try and divert the animals away from the scene. It is thought he also left a fleece behind.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 and quoting log number 387 110920, or by visiting Northumbria Police’s website website and using the Tell Us Something page.