A woman originally from Londonderry has died in England after being attacked by a cow while out on a walk with her family.

Marian Clode was born and raised in the Rosemount area of Derry before moving to the Greater Manchester area in England a number of years ago.

She was on a holiday with her family in Belford, Northumberland on April 3 when she was charged at by a herd of cattle, which included several calves.

The 61-year-old had been walking along a public bridlepath with her husband Christopher (63), daughter Lucy Rowe, son-in-law Kevin and her two grandchildren Oliver and Charlotte.

When suddenly one of the herd became aggressive, approaching Mrs Clode and repeatedly head-butted her.

An ambulance was called and both the family and paramedics attempted resuscitation before Mrs Clode was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle but died two days later.

Her daughter Lucy told Sky News her mum was "flipped like a rag doll over the fence".

"The consultant said the injuries that my mum sustained were the worst they had ever seen, equivalent to those of a high-speed crash.

"She did not stand a chance against that animal. My mum went blue when I looked, the cows were staring at me, her lips went blue. I was screaming her name."

SDLP Councillor John Boyle said the woman still had family who lived in Derry including her elderly mother.

He told the Belfast Telegraph: "I'm a councillor for the area that she originally came from and where her mother still lives. It's a dreadful tragedy to the woman and all who knew her.

"It has come as a shock to many. She was born and reared in the Rosemount area which is a very close knit community where near enough everybody knows everybody.

"It has come as a shock to many that she has died in such terrible circumstances.

"Thoughts of the community are with the wider family and I certainly share those thoughts and concerns."

The family have engaged Gordon Cartwright of JMW Solicitors to help guide them through the legal process to come, which will involve an inquest - a hearing likely to involve both Northumbria Police and the HSE.

Mr Cartwright said: “The family’s main reason for sharing their story at this terribly distressing time is that they want to prevent other families going through such a traumatic experience.

“The family are also aware that there is likely to be an inquest in the coming months and have asked that we help guide them though that process.

"The strength and dignity they have shown in the face of this tragedy is admirable and I am proud to support them at this difficult time."

Belfast Telegraph