Tributes were paid today to a retired university lecturer who died when he was trampled by cows.

Mike Porter, 66, was walking with his brother when tragedy struck at Turleigh, near Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, on Monday.

Despite prompt medical attention, the father-of-two was declared dead at the scene.

His brother, who suffered a collapsed lung and broken ribs in the incident, remains in a stable condition in Frenchay Hospital in Bristol, Wiltshire Police said.

Mr Porter's family paid tribute to a "lovely and caring person", who had lectured at Edinburgh University for more than 40 years until his retirement in 2011.

"Mike was killed on Monday in a freak accident when walking with his brother in Wiltshire," his family, including wife Adrienne Sillar and sons Nick, 31, and Robbie, 28, said in a statement released by police.

"He leaves Adrienne and their two sons and a very large group of friends who are devastated by the loss of such a lovely and caring person.

"We are still concerned about the health of Mike's brother who was badly injured in the accident and airlifted to hospital.

"We are in shock and devastated by the loss of our lovely Mike."

Mr Porter, who lived in the Newington area of Edinburgh, had a lengthy academic career, publishing his research in many areas of medical practice and medical sociology.

"He was very popular with his medical students," his family said.

"Mike was passionate about classical music and regularly attended concerts.

"He was very fit and active, a keen off-road cyclist and a walker who had roamed Scotland.

"In February he completed a four day 'tramp' in the New Zealand bush with his brother-in-law.

"We are in discussion with the coroner and would ask people to respect our need for privacy at this time.

"We would also like to thank our incredible friends and family for their warmth and support.

Former colleague Professor David Weller, head of the general practice department at the University of Edinburgh, said: "Those of us who worked with Mike are devastated to hear of his tragic and untimely death.

"In a career spanning more than four decades, Mike taught Edinburgh medical students important principles of care and compassion, encouraging them to see their patients in the context of their family and society.

"He also conducted research in many aspects of general practice, including stress amongst GPs. He was a wonderful colleague, and was devoted to his family. He was enjoying an active retirement, indulging his keen interest in travel and outdoor pursuits.2

Mr Porter started working at the university in June 1970 and retired in March 2011.