Angus woodcutter killed by falling tree

A WOOD CUTTER has been killed after being crushed by a falling tree at an Angus farm.

The worker, named today as John Phillips, 29, of Balkeerie, Forfar, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The tragedy happened while Mr Phillips was involved in felling trees at Auchendorie Farm near Kirriemuir on Thursday afternoon.

A spokesman for Tayside Police said “Tayside Police can confirm that, along with colleagues from Scottish Ambulance Service they attended at Auchendorie Farm, Westmuir, following a report of a 29 year-old male having been trapped by a tree whilst carrying out tree felling work.

“Mr Phillips, a woodcutter by trade, had been working when the incident happened at about 1.45pm on Thursday. Police and ambulance staff attended after the alarm was raised by a fellow worker but, tragically, Mr Phillips was pronounced dead at the scene.”

He added: “Joint enquiries between Tayside Police and the Health and Safety Executive are ongoing and, as with all sudden deaths, a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”