SEVEN cows were killed after a lorry carrying livestock overturned near Leominster yesterday.

Firefighters battled to save 39 cows and bulls which were trapped after an HGV overturned on the A44 near Steensbridge at around 10.16am.

Crews from Leominster, Bromyard and Droitwich used ultra heavy cutting equipment, an agricultural telehandler and animal rescue equipment to rescue 32 of the cows but seven died and were recovered at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle was checked over by ambulance crews but was discharged at the scene.

The A44 Worcester Road was closed both ways until around 4.40pm.