DOG owners in the New Forest have been warned to be vigilant when out walking their pets after a couple were injured by a cow.

New Forest Dog Owners Group said a man suffered a broken arm and shoulder when a black cow charged twice without warning on Hale Purlieu, near Fordingbridge.

His wife was also hit in the chest and again in the back and was pushed to the ground by the cow.

It is believed she suffered minor injuries.

Agister Andrew Napthine has advised dog owners to let their pets go in the event of a cow attack.

He said: “They can get out of the way quicker than we can and it is usually the dog the cow is after.”

There was a similar incident in Wareham Forest in May this year.

Allan Flewers, 77, escaped with minor injuries after a cow, which had a calf, charged at him without warning.

It knocked him over and kicked his leg while he was out walking his dogs.