Man dies in hay baler tragedy

A man has died after being trapped in machinery in an accident on a farm in Staffordshire.

The police and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are now investigating the death of the 61-year-old who was found trapped in a hay baler at High Forest Farm at Sharpley Heath near Hilderstone, about halfway between Stone and Uttoxeter.

Sgt Tim Jones, of Staffordshire Police, said: "Police attended a report of a male trapped in farm machinery. The 61-year-old local male was operating the machinery alone. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Police and the HSE are conducting inquiries as to the cause of this tragic incident."

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the scene about 5.10pm yesterday and sent two community paramedic officers in rapid response vehicles along with a BASICS Emergency Doctor and the County Air Ambulance from Staffordshire.

Murray MacGregor, an ambulance service spokesman, said: "The man had been involved in an accident involving a hay baler.

"When the community paramedic officers arrived, they immediately assessed the condition of the man but sadly it quickly became evident that there was nothing that could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead on scene."