A grandmother was trampled to death in a field of cows in what police have described as a tragic and "surreal" accident.

Widow Lorraine Richards, aged 66, was walking her dog in the field near to Carlyon Road Industrial Estate, Atherstone, just before 7am on Saturday.

As she walked near to the herd of cows one knocked her over and trampled on her. Her dog was not injured.

Warwickshire Police admitted it was unsure what caused the accident although some of the cows had calves and some were pregnant.

Mrs Richards, who has three daughters and five grandchildren, was taken by ambulance to George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton but died shortly afterwards.

Mrs Richards, whose husband died six years ago, was described by her daughters as "a well respected, very family orientated lady".

The family statement, released by police yesterday afternoon, added: "A gifted artist and keen photographer, she regularly walked the countryside, often with her family's dog, camera poised to record wildlife and country scenes.

"Her family are devastated by her tragic and sudden loss and she will be so sadly missed by all whose lives she touched."

Chief Inspector Chris Lewis of Warwickshire Police said: "It is a tragic accident. We don't know yet what happened when Mrs Richards was in the field but somehow the cow got excited and reared up on her, came into contact with her, and ended up on top of her.

"It's almost surreal really." The field had public access and is regularly used by dog walkers.

Chief Insp Lewis added: "We know who the farmer is and we have spoken to him but we will also be taking a statement from him as we compile a file for the coroner.

"There is no suggestion whatsoever that the farmer did not meet his own responsibilities, we are looking at this purely as a tragic accident.

"This field is well-used by people exercising their dogs.

" We are making no assumptions about this particular case, but generally speaking, we would ask people to remember their duty of care and be mindful that they are in a field with other livestock."

The investigation on Mrs Richards' deaths has now been passed on by police to the Health and Safety Executive.

Richard Sibley, former president of the British Cattle Veterinary Association, said such a death was rare but not unprecedented.

"It usually happens when somebody's with a dog. When cows have calves at foot they're very very protective.

"If they see anything as a threat to their young they will go for it.

"Cows are normally docile subordinate animals, but their instincts to protect their young will overcome that.

"It's really not wise to be walking in a field of cows with calves with a dog.

"It sounds perverse, but if the woman had her dog on a lead that could be even more dangerous."