Farmer died of natural causes

A Shropshire farmer who was found dead beside a tree died of natural causes, police said today. It had initially been thought that Dil Bebb may have fallen while pruning a tree.Emergency services were called to the home of Mr Bebb, of Sandford near West Felton, shortly after 3pm on Wednesday.

Mr Bebb, who was in his 70s, was pronounced dead at the scene. It was first thought he may have fallen from a ladder while cutting branches off a tree.

A West Mercia police spokesperson said: "A post- mortem examination has been held. It found the cause of death was natural causes."

Joy Jones, from Nesscliffe, one of Mr Bebb's relatives, said: "He was a very kind man and liked to help people. He was very proud of his farming work and a keen member of his local chapel. He lived alone but would keep in touch with us on a regular basis."

The death of Mr Bebb, who was well known in farming circles and was widely respected for his excellent cattle, has shocked the farming community.

Ryan Stockbridge, livestock auctioneer at Oswestry's Norman Lloyd and Co office, said he had known Mr Bebb for more than 30 years and last saw him at market a fortnight ago.

Mr Stockbridge said: "He was an exceptional stockman and the herd he reared was always very well cared for. It's fair to say his livestock was some of the best in the county."

Mark Jones, from the National Farmers' Union's Oswestry office, said he knew Mr Bebb and was saddened by the news.