Tragedy as farm worker dies in Brockton silo accident

A teenage farm worker has died after apparently falling into a grain silo in Shropshire.

The 18 year old, who has been named locally as Hugh Jones, was confirmed dead by paramedics who were called to a farm in Brockton, near Much Wenlock.

Emergency services were called to the farm shortly before 8.55pm on Wednesday but were unable to save the teenager.

West Mercia Police spokesman Rachel Anstee said: "A young man appears to have fallen into the silo and unfortunately died. Despite the best efforts of paramedics at the scene nothing could be done to save him.

"The incident is not being treated as suspicious."

Police said a post-mortem was carried out yesterday and an inquest was due to be opened today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman Suzie Fothergill said: "Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the man."

Villagers today spoke of their shock after hearing of Mr Jones's death and expressed their sympathy to the family, who have spent their entire lives farming in the village.

Resident Simon Brown said: "I heard the news yesterday morning. A few of the other farmers in the area had heard what had happened through the grapevine and most of the villagers know about it now. I know Hugh's father Robert very well and Hugh also.

"The whole family have been in Brockton farming all their lives. We shall be visiting the family to pay our condolences."

William Reece Jones, a family friend, said Mr Jones would be greatly missed.

He said: "I knew Hugh very well. He meant a lot to his family and friends and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him."

John Mercer, regional director for the National Farmers Union, said: "Shropshire farmers and the rural community are shocked and saddened to hear what has happened."