Herd of cows blocks railway tracks near Palmerston

Police were called to deal with cows blocking a railway line near Palmerston today.

A police spokeswoman said police were notified of a large mob of cows blocking a railway line about 2.50pm.

The incident occurred near State Highway 1, in the vicinity of Chisholm and Bushey Park Rds.

A herd of about 20-30 cows were present and KiwiRail had been advised, the spokeswoman said.

A KiwirRail spokesman said a train heading south from Christchurch was delayed for about five minutes shortly after 3pm while the cows were cleared from the tracks.

oscar.francis@odt.co.nz