Post mortem on farmer in baler horror

Saturday 30th May 2009, 12:30PM BST.

A post mortem has been carried out on a Shropshire farmer who died after he became trapped in a baling machine.

George Nicholas Stokes, 48, died at his home at Tong Norton Farm, Tong, on Thursday. He was found by his brother.

Emergency services were called to the scene but he could not be saved.

Shopshire police spokesman Richard Ewels said Mr Stokes was formally identified yesterday.

The post mortem was held at Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital yesterday and an inquest is expected to be opened early next week.

Community leaders today paid tribute to Mr Stokes. Tong Parish Council chairman Nick Smith said he had known Mr Stokes very well and was shocked and upset.

He said in a statement issued on behalf of the parish council: “We are all deeply upset be this tragic accident. George was a much-respected and well-liked member of our community and will be sadly missed.

“Our thoughts are at this time with the family who have requested that their privacy is respected.”

Mr Ewels said it was believed Mr Stokes was working with farm machinery at the time of the accident. The Health and Safety Executive has also been informed.

View more: Shifnal news, Shropshire news.