Underhill Farm, Stanford on Soar. Photo: Chris J Dixon CC-BY-SA-2.0

Underhill Farm, Stanford on Soar. Photo: Chris J Dixon CC-BY-SA-2.0

A farmer today spoke of his shock after a bull in his field attacked two walkers, killing one and leaving the other fighting for her life.

The married couple, described by police as ‘seasoned walkers’ were walking on a public footpath through a Nottinghamshire field where Paul Waterfall kept 61 heifers and a bull when the animal turned on the pair, from Glen Parva in Leicestershire.

The 63-year-old man died from his injuries at the scene. His 67-year-old wife, who escaped the field and flagged down a passing motorist, is in a critical but stable condition in the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham.

Mr Waterfall, a married man with two children, released a statement today. He said: “My family and I are deeply upset by what has happened. We are in shock and trying to come to terms with what I can only describe as a devastating and tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the couple’s family at this time.”

The couple were attacked by the bull while walking along the path, through a livestock field on Leake Lane, near the village of Stanton on Soar on the Nottinghamshire-Leicestershire border at about 4.30pm on Friday.

Detective Inspector Melanie Bowden said: “The couple’s two sons and their other family members are absolutely devastated by this tragic incident. We are continuing to support them as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened.”

Police are unable to identify the couple at this stage as not all relatives have been informed. The man’s elderly parents have been told about their son’s death.

DI Bowden said: “This was a truly tragic incident. The family are distraught and we are supporting them through this difficult time.”

The coroner has been informed of the man’s death and a post-mortem examination is expected to take place early next week.

Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing, in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive.

The bull that carried out the attack has been put down.