A second fatality caused by cows has been made public by police, meaning there have been two such deaths within a fortnight in the north of England.

Malcolm Flynn, 72, from Carlisle, died after being charged by cows, police said on Friday.

Police asked for witnesses after Flynn was fatally injured in what they said was a tragic incident while he was walking on land near Thirlwall Castle and Gisland, Northumberland, at around 11.45am on Friday 11 September. Police said he died at the location, which is on the Pennine Way.

On Monday, deputy headteacher Dave Clark died after he was injured by cows while walking near Richmond, north Yorkshire.

Det Ch Insp Jane Fairlamb said: “My thoughts are with Malcolm’s family and friends at this time as they come to terms with the loss of a loved one in what was a shocking and tragic incident.

“Our investigation is very much ongoing and we have already spoken to a number of witnesses, however, we are still trying to trace a number of people who were in the area at the time who we haven’t yet spoken to, and think could greatly assist our inquiries.”

Flynn, who was walking with a companion, was wearing glasses and a sunhat, a T-shirt covered by a fleece, and had a telescopic stick.

Officers are interested in hearing from anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident, particularly:

• A white man with grey hair and a grey beard walking a dog, who is believed to have walked past the pair shortly before the incident.

• A man and woman, believed to be in their 40, who spoke to the walkers before they entered the field.

• A group of four walkers who spoke to Flynn’s walking companion immediately after the incident and offered to alert the farmer, as well as another man who entered the field and tried to divert the animals away from the scene. It is thought he left a fleece behind.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101.