A group of walkers has been attacked by a cow in the Hautes-Pyrénées, leaving one dead and four others injured.

Image
© Robert Kneschke - Fotolia.com
The incident happened at 11.30 on Tuesday morning on the Col d'Azet, near Saint-Lary-Soulan.

The group passed a herd of cows, but one animal, protecting her calf, charged an 85-year-old walker.

He was airlifted to Pau hospital but died of his injuries. Four other walkers, a Spanish couple and their children aged three and five were also hurt.

A spokesman for mountain security in the area said: "Walkers must be careful of herds of cows and try to avoid them. They should also keep their distance from sheep being guarded by patous, the big white mountain dogs who watch intruders with suspicion."