A farmer has been killed by a charging bull in Hampshire, the National Farmers Union (NFU) has said.
The 58-year-old, named locally as Ian Rook, was said to have been “tossed in the air” when his animal charged at him at Manor Farm in Clanfield on Friday.
He was taken to the hospital but died. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed of the incident.
William White, from the NFU, said Mr Rook was a “super chap” and played a major part in farming in the area.
The regional director for the South East added: “It is very rare for a bull to attack a farmer and I must admit I do not know what happened, but an investigation is taking place which will hopefully give some answers.
“He was a super chap. He was always interested in you as a person.
“He has been involved in the industry for many years and was county chairman for the NFU, a real stalwart.”
Landlord of the nearby Rising Sun Pub, Geoff Wilson, said Mr Rook was a well known and respected member of the community.
He added: “I came up yesterday and saw police had blocked the road.
“From what people were saying he was tossed in the air when the bull charged at him.
“A lot of people knew him around here and are shocked about the whole thing.”
Police have notified the coroner and a post-mortem examination will take place on Monday.
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