A dog walker has spoken of the "terrifying" moment he was left fighting for his life after being trampled by a herd of cows on the Isle of Wight.

David Mackay, a semi-retired vet from Niton, estimates he only had around 20 minutes left to live following the attack on June 6.

He was flown by air ambulance to Southampton General Hospital.

He suffered a collapsed lung, bleeding in his chest, 12 ribs broken and multiple fractures.

He told the Echo's sister paper the Isle of Wight County Press: "If it hadn't been for the air ambulance, I don't think I'd be here today."

As he has done on many occasions, the 64-year-old was walking his four dogs along a coastal path and then a field between the Pepper Pot and Pan Lane, near Niton.

Conscious of the fact there were cattle, David put his dogs on short leads and walked around the edge of the field.

David Mackay who was attacked by a herd of cows. (Image: IWCP)

HIOWAA (Image: Supplied)

But calves took a shine to the dogs and before David knew it, a cow charged at him, knocking him to the ground.

"At that point I let the dogs go", he said.

"Then all the other cows led into the attack and I was trying to keep my feet, but they just trampled me, circled me and pushed me down."

David "battled" to get to the edge of the field and when he did, the cattle eventually lost interest.

David could tell he was badly hurt and managed to call his wife and 999.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance eventually found him from the air and a team on foot rushed to his aid, before flying him to SGH.

Three of David's dogs — Olive, Patches and Willow — were found shortly after.

But it took around four hours to locate, Ernie, who is blind.

David and ErnieDavid and Ernie (Image: IWCP)

David said: "The village spirit came out and a man from the Undercliff found him in a little burrow.

"The cows had given him a good kicking and he had bruising, but it's not serious."

Discharged from hospital eight days later, David is now recovering at home.

Even as a vet he said he was "surprised" by the herd's aggression.

"With hindsight you could say I shouldn't have walked through, but I'd done it many times before and it was public. I don't feel I was that irresponsible really", he said.

"I shall take a new look at entering fields with cows and calves in!"

Keith Wilson, director of income and engagement, said: “David was in a perilous position – critically ill. Without immediate specialist care, he may not have lived to share his story.

“Our service is a lifeline to people on the Island. Whether they’ve had a cardiac arrest or sustained major trauma, our doctors, pilots and paramedics give each patient the very best chance of survival and recovery.

“However, as a charity, it is only thanks to our dedicated supporters from across the region that we are able to be there for patients like David, 365 days a year.”

David has reported the incident to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).