“If there are more deaths in next few weeks then I’ll consider taking my cattle off the common,” warns owner Joyce Jones

It comes after a Highland calf was killed in a collision with a police car on Sunday evening - and its mother was hit and killed by a van the following morning.

The animals were part of around 500 cattle released to graze on Minchinhampton, Selsley and Rodborough commons less than two weeks ago.

Joyce Jones, owner of the cow and calf, urged drivers to slow down.

“Drivers are going at horrendous speeds, some exceed 60mph,” she said.

“The cows have a right to be there, without them there would be no common because it would grow over so fast.

“If there are more deaths within the next few weeks I would seriously consider taking them off.”

The calf, Jonny, was hit at 9.30pm by a police car en-route to an emergency in Berkeley and died at the scene.

Its mother was hit at 6.30am the following morning while looking for the calf.

Sally Curzon, who witnessed the collision, said: “The farmer, a lovely woman, was standing by in tears.

“It is dreadful to see this, two dead in less than 12 hours and they have only been out on the common a matter of weeks.

“The cows are integral to the countryside and the community. I would urge people to slow down and take care.”

Mark Dawkins, hayward to commons, said: “I would urge drivers to slow down, particularly with the sun being so low in the mornings.”

Eight cattle were killed on the commons last year, the same number as in 2014.

Fencing has been put in place to stop the animals walking onto the road by the quarry next to the Amberley turn, where many collisions occur.

Drivers are being urged to stick to an advisory 30mph limit while the cows are free roaming.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire police added: “The officer involved was travelling to support colleagues dealing with an emergency incident. He was not driving with blue lights or sirens as he was some way off but was heading in that direction in case they required back-up.

“He has an excellent driving record and is a very experienced and competent officer, who has just been re-qualified in March as part of a general refresher that all officers complete.

"This accident was very unfortunate and the officer will not be suspended from driving duties.

“This is a very sad incident that has caused everyone involved considerable distress.”

Officers have been reminded to take extra care in the area.