Police are investigating the death of a man in his 70s who was fatally injured by cattle on the National Trust's Felbrigg Hall estate in Norfolk. Paramedics were called to the scene shortly after midday on Monday, but the man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Norfolk police confirmed that next of kin have been informed.
Incident details and location
The man was injured while walking in the parkland surrounding Felbrigg Hall, a 17th-century English country house and estate popular with walkers. The estate features sprawling fields, a walled garden, orchards, and a forest. It is located about two miles south of Cromer. The hall was closed on Tuesday as investigations took place.
The estate has a history dating back before the Norman conquest, recorded in the Domesday survey in 1086 when the village was in the possession of the Bigod family. Tenant farmers graze their cattle on the fields, and walkers are advised to keep dogs on leads during calving season.
Emergency response and investigation
A Norfolk police spokesperson said: “Officers attended the Felbrigg Hall estate yesterday [Monday] following reports a person had been seriously injured by cattle at around 11.45am. Despite efforts to save him, a man in his 70s sadly died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed. Officers are investigating alongside colleagues from the Health and Safety Executive.”
The East of England ambulance service dispatched two ambulances, a paramedic car, and the East Anglian air ambulance following reports of a person being injured by cows.
Context of cattle incidents
Incidents involving cattle, such as chasing, trampling, or alarming walkers, are fairly common. The Cattle Safety campaign reports that during peak walking seasons, 20-30 incidents are logged per month. Over seven years, the campaign has recorded five cattle-related deaths, 76 people with significant injuries (broken bones or concussion requiring hospital observation), and 22 people with ruptured internal organs or coma.
The campaign advocates for separating cattle from walkers on footpaths, compulsory public liability insurance for all farmers with livestock, a central database of cattle attacks across England and Wales, and displaying farmer or landowner contact details where footpaths enter fields with cattle.
Safety recommendations and previous case
The RSPCA advises walkers to remain slow and calm in fields with livestock, keep dogs on leads, avoid sudden movements, and give animals plenty of space. Walkers should leave gates as they find them and walk around the herd rather than through them.
Two years ago, 29-year-old Rebekah Morris was trampled to death by cows after walking through their field. The farmers who owned the cows now face trial for allegedly failing to manage their farming activities safely.
Official statements
A National Trust spokesperson said: “Emergency services were called to the parkland at Felbrigg Hall on Monday 13 July after a member of the public was seriously injured while walking. Despite the efforts of the paramedics, the person tragically died at the scene. We are shocked and deeply saddened by this news, and our thoughts and condolences are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. As an investigation is under way, we are unable to comment further.”
A Health and Safety Executive spokesperson said: “We are aware of this incident and making enquiries alongside the police.”
