POLICE are appealing for information after a man was killed close to the border between Cumbria and Northumberland.

At around 11.45am on Friday, September 11, officers received a report that a walker had been seriously injured after being charged by cows.

The incident took place on land near Thirlwall Castle and Gilsland.

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

He has since been identified as Malcolm Flynn of Carlisle. His family are being supported by specialist officers.

On Friday, September 25, officers 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 sunhat, 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: - 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

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

- 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.

Hexham Courant:

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.