Escaped cattle halt Belfast traffic

Morning commuters encountered an unexpected tailback today when a herd of cattle escaped onto the M2 motorway on the outskirts of Belfast.

Police officers had to put a 15 kilomete rolling closure into operation on the northbound lanes at Sandyknowes as they struggled to recapture the animals, which got loose after a truck and trailer overturned.

Bemused motorists watched on as the cows wandered in and out between cars on what is one of the busiest stretches of road in Northern Ireland.