Northern Ireland

Broughshane farmer James Gibson killed by bull in farm tragedy

Farmer James Gibson was killed in an accident involving a bull.
Farmer James Gibson was killed in an accident involving a bull.

A rural community in Co Antrim has been left "devastated" after a farmer was killed in a tragic accident involving a bull.

He has been named locally as James Gibson of Killycarn Road in the Aughafatten area near Broughshane.

Mr Gibson, who was believed to be in his late 60s, was described a "nice quiet man" who was well-known and respected in the area.

It is understood he was married with children.

DUP councillor for the Braid area, Beth Clyde, said: "I really am sorry, I feel for the family's loss, especially at Christmas time".

She added: "It seems to be worse whenever something like this happens at Christmas time, it is a devastating loss for the family and for the district".

A Northern Ireland Ambulance Service spokesman said they received a report around 8am on Wednesday of "a male having been hit by a bull".

An emergency crew responded as did the Air Ambulance.

"Nobody was taken from the scene," the spokesman added.

A spokeswoman for the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland said it was investigating.