A number of cattle broke free on the M6 following a collision involving a trailer carrying livestock this morning (Thursday, January 22).

One motorist, who managed to catch the incident on dashcam, narrowly missed one of the escaped cows after it suddenly jumped the barrier in the middle of the carriageway.

Gardaí confirmed that the collision occurred near Junction 3 on the M6 outside Rochfortbridge in Co. Westmeath at approximately 7:15am this morning.

Officers and emergency services who attended the scene closed the road for a short period of time.

According to gardaí, no cattle suffered any injuries as result of the incident.

However, a driver involved in the crash was conveyed to Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore by ambulance for "treatment of injuries believed to be non-life threatening at this time."

In a statement to Agriland, gardaí said that "investigations are ongoing".

PSNI

Meanwhile, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have been raising awareness this week regarding a recent increase in rural crime.

Police in Fermanagh and Omagh have advised rural communities on how to improve their security measures following reports of suspicious activity and burglaries.

PSNI have recommended the following precautionary steps:

Install CCTV cameras;
Consider motion-sensor lighting;
Ensure you are locking all doors to your home, including securing any outbuilding doors with locks;
Place all high-value tools and machinery inside locked sheds/buildings;
Secure or immobilise quads and trailers when not in use. Mark your valuable equipment with identifiable markings, and keep a note of all serial numbers for identification purposes;
Look out for your neighbours, and remain vigilant.

PSNI stated that they will be continuing to "maintain a high visibility presence in rural areas as a deterrent."

Individuals can report any suspicious activity in their area by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.