TWO cattle died when the truck taking them to be slaughtered overturned at the Hall Park roundabout in Horsforth.

Firefighters, police and a breakdown crew spent three and a half hours rescuing a further 28 bullocks and heifers from the lorry and clearing the scene.

The rescued animals were transferred to another lorry and taken to Leeds as they were unfit to resume their journey to a Manchester abattoir.

Commuters faced hours of traffic chaos on Tuesday night after the 18-wheeler cattle truck overturned.

The incident, which happened at 4.50pm at the junction of the A65 and the ring road, saw the driver of the truck escape with minor leg injuries.

A tow truck, which received a police escort to the scene, pulled the cattle truck, owned by Fred Greenwood and Son, of Esholt, back on to its wheels.

At one stage police marksmen were brought in because officers on the scene feared the cattle might bolt while being transferred to the other transport.

Traffic tailed back for miles around Horsforth, with vehicles stretching along the ring road and also to the outskirts of Calverley and outside Priesthorpe School in Pudsey.

A crowd of almost 100 at one stage gathered to watch. Some applauded when the truck was pulled back on to its wheels.

Police at Weetwood are appealing for witnesses to the incident. Anyone with information should contact PC Dave Jelley in the road traffic department on (0113) 2413446.

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