Man killed after bull attack

A man has been killed after being attacked by a bull on a farm in North Canterbury.

Emergency services were called to a property in Oxford, about 50km west of Christchurch, shortly before 4pm on Wednesday.

The Press understands the farmer was working with Scottish Highland cattle in a pen when he was mauled by one of the bulls. He died at the scene.

The man’s wife said the death was an ‘‘unfortunate’’ accident.

‘‘It was just a straight out unfortunate set of circumstances that happened. He wasn’t doing anything stupid.’’

Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Cameron Henderson, of Oxford, said on Thursday morning he was aware of the incident. ‘‘I’m very concerned that this happened . . . it’s a very rare occurrence in New Zealand.’’

He would talk to local farmers and work with the Rural Support Trust to give emotional support to the family. ‘‘We’ll take any learnings if the circumstances were preventable, to get the message to farmers to help them in the future.’’

A police spokeswoman confirmed police attended a death at the property, but was unable to comment further.

A St John spokesman confirmed an ambulance attended the incident and directed comment to police. WorkSafe is making inquiries.

WorkSafe data on agricultural fatalities since 2013 did not specify any deaths in New Zealand from farm animal attacks.

One person died working in cattle yards and another was found lying head first on a cattle truck ramp but it was unclear if these deaths were from animal attacks.