THE National Farmers' Union (NFU) has urged walkers to be careful around farmland, as a pensioner died of his injuries after being charged by a herd of cows earlier this month.

Malcolm Flynn, of Carlisle, was out walking on land near Thirlwall Castle and Gilsland on September 11 when it was reported that he was fatally injured by cattle.

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

Stuart Roberts, the deputy chairman of the NFU, said members of the public should not run from cows, but walk away slowly.

He also warned the public to stay away from animals and to be aware of their movements.

On Friday, officers from Northumbria Police issued an urgent appeal asking for a number of witnesses believed to have been in the area at around 11.45am to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Jane Fairlamb from the force’s homicide and major enquiry team, said: “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.”

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

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 and quoting log number 387 110920.