POLICE today said the death of a factory worker in Copdock who became trapped in a machine was not suspicious.

Anthony Bond

POLICE today said the death of a factory worker in Copdock who became trapped in a machine was not suspicious.

The 61-year-old man, who has not yet been named, died after his head got stuck at a pet food manufacturer on yesterday morning.

A post mortem carried out today determined there was no foul play.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said the force would continue to carry out inquiries in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The owner of HG Gladwell & Sons in Old London Road, where the accident happened, yesterday paid tribute to his employee.

Mark Gladwell said: “Obviously he was a valued employee and had been with Gladwells for some time. As a result of an accident he unfortunately died.

“At the moment we don't know the cause of his death or why he came to be where he was and can't really speculate.”

Mr Gladwell said dashed to call 999 after discovering the man.

Suffolk police and the East of England Ambulance Service were called to the premises shortly after 7.15am, but the man had died at the scene.

Inspector Jim Gooding, from Suffolk police, said: “At 7.19am, Suffolk police were called to a business premises in London Road, Copdock, to the report of an industrial accident.

“Unfortunately, a 61-year-old male died at the scene. The Heath and Safety Executive (HSE) were called to the scene and will be carrying out further enquiries.”

The HSE is now investigating the incident.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said: “We were called to Copdock shortly after 7.15am to reports of a machine accident.

“Upon arrival it was discovered that a man was trapped in a machine.”

HG Gladwell & Sons has been trading at Copdock Mill for more than 80 years, supplying the pet trade with animal feeds.

- Do you know the man involved and want to pay tribute? Contact us on 01473 324736 or e-mail mark.heath@archant.co.uk.