THE cousin of a woman in her 80s who was killed in the New Forest after an incident with a cow has called for increased safety measures.

Mary Beesly, the cousin of the woman killed, is calling for increased safety measures in the Forest where animals are able to roam freely through walking trails and busy roads.

The Echo revealed on Wednesday that a woman had been killed in the New Forest after an incident involving a cow.

The woman had suffered serious life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital – where she was pronounced dead.

75-year-old Mary, who lives in Southend and would meet her cousin once a year, told the Echo: “She would regularly walk her dog in the New Forest everyday – I don’t believe she ever mentioned any danger.

“It’s very surreal – her passing has really upset me and as the days go past it plays on my mind more and more.

“For me as someone who is not from the area, I’m really surprised that incidents like this have not happened before in the New Forest.

“I have tried to call around some local people and organisations and they all tell me the same thing – animals have always been free to roam in the New Forest.

“I think something ought to be done to make sure people are kept safe while walking there.”

The New Forest Verderers group have offered their condolences to the family of the woman who was killed in the incident.

A spokesperson said: “The Verderers are aware of an incident that occurred at Godshill Cricket Pitch on Monday afternoon, October 21, where a lady was observed to be laying on the ground surrounded by cattle and ponies.

“We have been advised that the lady sadly died.

"The Verderers extend their sincere condolences to the lady's family and friends.”

Last month, Hampshire police issued an appeal to promote driver safety in the Forest ahead of the pannage season, between September 16 to November 27, where pigs are release to roam freely through the area.

A spokesperson for the police said: “As the nights draw in sooner, and with free-roaming animals feeding across the Forest, there is a risk of drivers in particular becoming involved in a collision with an animal.”