POLICE have thanked the public for their help when pigs became trapped in an overturned lorry.

At about 8am this morning, a lorry transporting pigs ended up on its side following a collision just off the A66 at Newsham in North Yorkshire.

The livestock had to be released and local people then stepped up to help police herd the frightened animals off the road and into nearby fields.

Traffic Constable Tony Leonard, from North Yorkshire Police’s roads policing group, said their help had been ‘invaluable’ in minimising the animal’s distress.

“I would like to thank all of the members of the public who stopped and helped at the scene,” he said.

“Their efforts and assistance was invaluable in both minimising the suffering of the animals that were trapped in the lorry and getting them to safety away from the road once they had been released.”

He added: “Sadly a few of the pigs did die as a result of the incident.

“However, I am positive it would have been far more traumatic for the rest of the herd without everyone’s help.”

The lorry driver suffered only minor injuries.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, press option 2 and ask for Tony Leonard.