Police said a 33-year-old man was behind the wheel of a Holden Barina when it struck a cow on Fossickers Way at Attunga, near Tamworth, at about 4.20am.

The impact severely damaged the vehicle with the driver later hospitalised with a suspected face fracture.

Police have been told a driver in front of the Barina saw the cow on the road, near the intersection of Garthowen Rd, and pulled to the side and put it’s hazard lights on before the crash occurred.

Officers are also investigating reports a third vehicle, travelling behind the Barina, also struck the injured cow, which later died.

Investigations into the crash are continuing.