Inquiry into four deaths at engineers

FAMILY and friends of four men who died in an industrial accident were mourning yesterday as a health and safety investigation continued at the site.

The men had been working at the site of offshore engineering company Claxton Engineering in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.

The firm said building work was being carried out by external contractors at its premises where the accident happened at approximately 2pm yesterday.

A statement from Norfolk Constabulary said: "The men, believed to be aged between 26 and 42 and from the Bury St Edmunds area of Suffolk, were pronounced dead at the scene.

"Their families are currently being supported by specialist police officers."

A joint inquiry has been launched by Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Det Chief Insp Neil Luckett, from the major investigation team, said: "This is a complex investigation and our inquiries - including assessments at the site - are likely to continue for several weeks. This is a distressing time for the families of those who, sadly, lost their lives and our thoughts go out to them."

Reports suggested a steel structure may have collapsed on the men. Some of the victims are believed to have links to the villages of Walsham le Willows and Stanton. Two local football clubs have cancelled their matches out of respect.

Mike Powles, chairman of Walsham le Willows FC said: "Two of the lads used to play for us. It's a real community where everyone knows everyone else."

Home Office post- mortem examinations to determine the cause of death are due to be carried out tomorrow.