Some 39 bulls have been rescued from an overturned lorry by firefighters.

The rescue operation started in Co Fermanagh, close to the Irish border early on Friday morning.

Firefighters in Northern Ireland rescue 39 bulls that were trapped in an overturned lorry
Firefighters in Northern Ireland rescue 39 bulls that were trapped in an overturned lorry (NIFRS/PA)

It took around over three hours to complete the rescue effort on the Cavan Road in Newtownbutler.

Three bulls did not survive.

Firefighters from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) rescued the remaining 39 animals from the overturned articulated cattle lorry.

Fire fighters in Northern Ireland work to rescue 39 bulls trapped in an overturned lorry
The rescue operation took over three hours to complete (NIFRS/PA)

In a statement the NIFRS said they received an emergency call at 6.22am on Friday about the incident  in which one vehicle had been involved.

The service’s Large Animal Rescue Team from Omagh Fire Station as well as fire crews from Lisnaskea and Enniskillen Fire Stations in Co Fermanagh were involved in the rescue.

In total, there were 42 bulls trapped in the overturned lorry.

“Firefighters stabilised the vehicle and used hydraulic cutting equipment to release 39 bulls assisted by farm workers – three bulls died in the incident,” the NIFRS said in a statement.

The driver of the lorry was described as a man in his 40s. He was treated at the scene by ambulance personnel.

Rescued bulls in Co Fermanagh
A total of 42 bulls were trapped (NIFRS/PA)

The NIFRS said the rescue operation was completed by 9.49am.

“A local vet also attended the incident. When released, the bulls were contained in a nearby field,” the NIFRS added in its statement.