A WORKMAN was crushed to death by a steel pipe yesterday.

David Applegarth, 39, was loading a lorry at Finley Structures, on the Newton Aycliffe industrial estate, County Durham, when the accident happened at about 6.15am.

Mr Applegarth, of Crosby Street, Darlington, was securing the load when a steel pipe - one of eight - shifted and knocked him from the top of the vehicle to the ground.

A second pipe also moved and fell on top of him, causing severe head injuries.

Mr Applegarth, a father who was separated from his wife, was confirmed dead at the scene by a police surgeon. The South Durham Coroner has been informed.