A DRIVER was crushed to death when a metal container fell on him at a factory.

Jimmy Nesbitt was helping to move the five-tonne load on to a lorry at the Silentnight furniture factory, in North Hylton Road, Sunderland when it rolled off.

The 59-year-old father of two, who worked for Harker's Transport, of Birtley, near Gateshead, was trapped under the container, which was loaded with furniture.

The emergency services were called at about 9.20am on Thursday.

Dale Storey, 21, who works for Silentnight, lifted the corner of the container with his fork-lift truck so firefighters could pull Mr Nesbitt clear.

Mr Nesbitt, of Franklin Street, Millfield, was taken by ambulance to Sunderland Royal Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

A second man who was working with him was treated for shock, but was not taken to hospital.

Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the site, and an investigation into the cause of the accident is under way.

Martin Fletcher, business development manager at Harker's Transport, said: "Our thoughts at this time are with the family of Jimmy, who was popular with all those who knew and worked with him. He will be missed by us all.

"We are devastated by the incident, and are helping the Health and Safety Executive with their investigation.

"As the investigation is still ongoing, we are not able to comment as to its cause."