A man has been charged after his vehicle struck a cow while he was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, according to police.

Phelim O’Hara, 26, from Totton, Hampshire, has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on November 12.

The charge comes after reports of a collision between a vehicle and a cow on Roger Penny Way, near Telegraph Hill, just before 9pm on September 16.

MORE NEWS | Scotland’s sheep scab crisis sparks new dipping service

The condition of the cow following the incident remains unknown.

New Forest Heart Police said: “A 26-year-old man from Totton has been charged with driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level above limit.”

Rural crime figures show that the cost to the UK reached nearly £53m last year, a rise of £2m.

`