A LORRY carrying around 40 cows has overturned on a junction of the A1 in North Yorkshire.

The accident happened at about 5.15pm near Richmond, said North Yorkshire Police.

A force spokesman said: "Unfortunately some of the cattle have been badly injured and some have died.

"A local vet has been called and some of the injured animals have been put down to prevent them suffering further. Police are not currently able to confirm the exact number of cows that have died."

No other vehicles are believed to have been involved and the lorry driver was not injured.

The roundabout, at junction 56, has been closed and traffic is being diverted.