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'Significant number' of sheep die in lorry crash

Tim PageWest Midlands
West Mercia Police An orange lorry is on its side at the side of a main road through countryside. Several firefighters in uniform and yellow helmets are around it.West Mercia Police
The lorry tipped on to its side on the A489

A lorry has crashed on to its side in Shropshire, trapping the driver and killing what police described as a "significant number" of the 450 sheep on board.

It happened on the A489 near Bishop's Castle at about 14:45 BST on Tuesday, closing the road.

West Mercia Police said while "many" animals were saved, a large number died in the crash.

The driver was freed and taken to hospital for what police described as precautionary checks.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said six of its appliances attended the incident, from Bishop's Castle, Clun and Wellington, alongside the police, the ambulance service and vets.

In a social media post, police said: "We would like to thank everyone who assisted at the scene for their professionalism and teamwork."

West Mercia Police The same stretch of road as in the first image, taken from the other end. A police car is in the foreground with two red traffic cones, and the stricken lorry beyond. In the distance are fire crews and appliances.West Mercia Police
The lorry driver was taken to hospital

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