Worker killed in Shropshire farm horror

Andrew Sankey, 40, was working on a farm in Lynn, near Newport.

Mr Sankey, a contractor, had been asked to complete drainage work on the Lynn South Farm when the accident happened yesterday lunchtime.

The Midlands Air Ambulance attended, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Michael Bubb, who owns the land, said he had worked with Mr Sankey, who had become a great friend, for more than 20 years and everyone was devastated by the news.

He said: "He wasn't working for us, but for a drainage contractor carrying out work on the land. He was unloading a drainage machine when the incident happened.

"It has come as a massive shock. He was a great friend and a very capable person. I've known him for 20 years and we have worked together, on occasion, during that time."

Inspector Andy Smith of West Mercia Police, said: "A 40-year-old was trapped in machinery and was unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and enquiries are ongoing."

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "This is a remote farm or smallholding. We sent the Air Ambulance, a paramedic and a rapid response vehicle."

Firefighters also attended the scene.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "I heard sirens and when I looked out the window I saw the air ambulance in the field. It was there for 10 minutes or so and then flew off."

Another neighbour said: "There were ambulances and a couple of fire engines. Lynn is normally so quiet."

The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they are investigating and a recovery vehicle has removed a yellow farm vehicle from the scene.