A 'DEVASTATED' family have demanded answers from the fire service after a freak accident left a farmer critically ill.

Harold Lee, 75, from Robins Farm in Burtle, was crushed by up to 70 of his Friesian cows when they stampeded back to their field while being herded along Mark Road.

Police said they were investigating whether Mr Lee's animals were 'spooked' by the flashing lights and sirens of a fire engine heading to an emergency.

Mr Lee's son Andrew said he believed the accident could have been avoided if the fire crew had waited a few minutes until the cows were safely herded off the road before driving through.

Andrew told the Mercury: “I was working on the farm and I had a phone call from my brother Richard saying a fire engine had frightened the cows and father was hurt.

“When I got there father was semi-conscious and trying to talk.

“He had very serious chest and head injuries.”

Mr Lee was taken to hospital by air ambulance, where his condition remained critical but stable as the Mercury went to press yesterday (Monday).

Now his family are demanding an explanation from the fire service.

Andrew added: “My brother said he tried to stop the engine coming through.

“It is very sad and we feel this should not have happened.

“My father has been doing this for more than 50 years and there has never been a problem before.

“All we can wish for now is that he recovers.”

A fire service spokesman refused to comment on the incident, which happened last Tuesday.

Police want anyone with information to contact the collision investigation unit on 0845-4567000.

*THE family of Harold Lee said they wanted to thank people for the 'fantastic' messages of support, which had poured into the farm since the incident.

Leave your messages of support for Mr Lee by reading this story at bridgwatermercury.co.uk/news.