Desperate bid to free trapped cattle from overturned lorry

A number of cows had to be rescued from the trailer of the overturned lorry on the Bakers Arms Roundabout. 

The roundabout and a section of road heading towards Poole wete closed for most of the evening as several recovery vehicles attempted to deal with the stricken vehicle. 

It is understood no animals died in the incident.   

The road was closed for the welfare of the animals. 

Nearby farmers rushed to the roundabout to help and to move the cattle to a safe location, with one heading there in a large tractor and trailer. 

Martyn Bates and Julie Turnbill who are visiting from Australia and staying in a caravan at a campsit near thr roundabout heard the crash.  

Julie said: “We heard the loud crash and this banging and banging of the cattle kicking on side of the trailer.  

“The sound was so strange and was muffled, just awful. It kept going on for around 30 seconds or more. 

“We ran round to see what had happened and saw the lorry on its side.” 

Multiple police officers rushed to the scene to close the roundabout, with the assistance of workers from Dorset Council. 

A spokeswoman for Dorset Police said: “We received a report at around 6pm on Monday 17 July of an overturned lorry carrying livestock near to the Bakers Arms roundabout in Poole. 

“Officers are at the scene with the fire service. 

“The road has been closed to protect the livestock and allow emergency services to safely deal with the incident. 

“Recovery is being arranged for the lorry.” 

A spokeswoman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We received a call at 6.06pm this evening about an incident involving an overturned livestock lorry near Bakers Arms Roundabout, Upton. 

“Crews from Poole and Wareham along with animal rescue teams, also from Poole are currently in attendance. 

“The road is likely to be closed for some time.” 

The driver of the lorry appeared uninjured.