Elderly man charged at by bull on rural Masterton property

Wairarapa Police were called to a rural property earlier this afternoon, after an elderly farm worker was left with serious injuries after being charged at by a bull.

Senior Sergeant Warwick Burr says Police and Ambulance were called to the property on State Highway Two, 10 kilometres north of Masterton about 12:45pm.

"It appears cattle were being loaded from a set of cattle yards onto a stock truck when a bull charged at the 79 year old man. The bull repeatedly charged at the man until other people present were able to get the animal out of the yards."

Senior Sergeant Burr says the bull then charged at other farm workers and a vehicle, and charged at a Police vehicle upon arrival at the scene and was subsequently shot by Police.

"The victim has been airlifted to Wellington Hospital after suffering serious injuries to his head and body and is currently described as being in a critical condition."