A CATTLE handler has died after being crushed by a bull when it was being loaded into a wagon at a cattle market in Gisburn.

The 70-year-old man was working with a lorry driver when the fatal accident happened at about 7.30am today.

The former farmer had worked as a member of the yard staff for more than 20 years and was a good and well liked member of staff, said Richard Turner, secretary and auctioneer of Gisburn Auction Marts Ltd.

"We are all very emotional and in a state of shock. It is a terrible tragedy. The driver of the wagon was very, very distraught."

The bull had been stored overnight, fed and watered, ready for it to be picked up this morning following a sale on Thursday.

Police and ambulance crew are been on site for a couple of hours following the accident.

A police spokeswoman said: "We were called around 7.30am today following reports a man had been seriously injured in Gisburn.

"A 70-year-old man had been injured by a bull at Gisburn Auction Mart in Gisburn Road.

"Emergency services attended but sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

"An investigation is underway and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed."

A HSE spokesman said: “HSE is aware of the incident and is investigating.”