A CORONER has been told how a West Somerset woman was trampled to death by a herd of cows on Exmoor.

Devon coroner Philip Spinney heard Rebecca Jane Hitchings was walking her dog when the tragedy happened on Thursday, October 16.

Ms Hitchings, aged 59, of Woodcombe, Minehead, suffered significant injuries across her whole body.

She was taking her dog for a morning walk on moorland in an area known as the Punchbowl, near Halse Lane, Winsford, when the cows became spooked for a reason unknown.

High gorse covering the area may have meant the cows were initially hidden from sight.

Devon Air Ambulance sent a critical care medical team by helicopter from Exeter to the scene shortly after 11.30 am.

The crew then flew Ms Hitchings to Derriford Hospital, in Plymouth, the Westcountry’s designated major trauma centre, where doctors fought to save her but the injuries were so severe she died later that night, at about 8.15 pm.

Mr Spinney opened inquest proceedings on October 23 in Exeter County Hall coroner’s court into the death of Ms Hitchings, a retired nurse born in Exeter.

He heard evidence that Ms Hitchings had suffered severe blunt trauma which led to hemorrhagic shock, where severe blood loss stops the body’s organs working.

Mr Spinney recorded the cause of death as ‘hemorrhagic shock caused by blunt trauma’.

He then adjourned the proceedings to a date to be confirmed and said the case was likely to be transferred for a full hearing to be carried out by senior coroner for Somerset, Samantha Marsh.

The National Farmers Union acknowledges dog walkers can face danger from cows and said people should always keep their dog on a short lead and give the animals a wide berth.

If charged, people should let the dog go, because the cows will chase the dog, not the walker.