UDDER TERROR

Mary-Jane played dead to escape from beasts after horror stampede injuries

- BY RUTH SUTER

A HIKER told how she had to play dead to survive after being attacked by a herd of angry cows.

Mary-Jane Piper, 61, was climbing with her dog Lola in Newtonmore in the Highlands when she was crushed during the terrifying stampede.

She suffered 10 broken ribs, a broken sternum, a broken right hand a huge gaping wound on her leg and multiple bruises to her head and body.

Mary-Jane, from Peebles, said: "I'm always very wary and respectful of cows on open ground and usually stay well clear of them.

"Unfortunately, this gang was hidden behind a bank of high ground and I didn't see them until I skirted the mound and found myself just feet away from them.

"My little dog Lola panicked, broke out of her collar and bolted just as the cows attacked.

"I was crushed between two of the cows, swept off my feet and carried between them as they charged off along the track.

"I could feel my body being crushed between these animals but couldn't stop them or get my feet on the ground.