A MAN HAS died after suffering “serious injuries” in a fall at a north Shropshire industrial unit.

The man, who has not been named, died following the fall at Grocontinental in Whitchurch at about 1.20pm yesterday.

Emergency services were called to help the man, who was working for a building maintenance contractor at the site, but despite the efforts of paramedics he was confirmed dead at the scene.

An investigation into the incident has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive.

Bosses at Grocontinental, an international storage and distribution company which employs about 300 people, today offered their condolences to the man’s family.

Linda Grocott, joint managing director of Grocontinental, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the construction worker who died yesterday while working for a building maintenance contractor at our headquarters in Whitchurch. We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and all those who knew him.

Accident

“The contractors, together with the relevant authorities, are conducting a full investigation into what happened.”

Inspector Mark Hatton, from West Mercia Police, said: “There was an industrial accident there and it appears officers went to the scene to assist on behalf of the Health & Safety Executive.” And he said the incident was now being investigated by the HSE.

Inspector Gurjit Singh, also from West Mercia Police, said: “Because it is more of a work-related incident rather than a criminal one, police won’t be launching a full investigation, but will be helping the HSE with their investigation.”

John Hawker, spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “On arrival, crews found a man with multiple serious injuries. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of ambulance crews, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

Councillor Peggy Mullock, mayor of Whitchurch, said she had heard unconfirmed reports the man may have fallen from a cherry-picker at the site.

She said: “My niece works next to Grocontinental and she said she saw an ambulance and police go there yesterday.”

No-one from the HSE was available to comment today.

By James Pugh and Tom Johannsen