The British Skydiving Board will be launching an investigation into an incident which saw the death of a parachutist at a County Durham industrial estate.

Emergency services were called to South West Industrial Estate in Shotton, near Peterlee, yesterday (April 27) following concerns for the welfare of a man.

Police were joined by colleagues from fire and ambulance but the man, in his 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A cordon is expected to remain in place for some time and the death is being treated as unexpected and enquiries are now ongoing. Durham Police are appealing for information following the incident. 

Detective Chief Inspector Mel Sutherland, who is leading the investigation said: “Officers are keen to speak to anyone who was travelling on the A19 at around 12.20pm to 12.30pm who may have mobile phone footage or dashcam footage which captures the moments leading up to the incident.

“Our thoughts remain with the man’s family at this time.”

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The Northern Echo contacted Sky-High Skydiving based at Shotton Airfield where a spokesperson for Sky-High Skydiving said: "The British Skydiving Board will investigate the incident and when completed it will submit its findings to the relevant authorities."

They said reports will be submitted to the coroner, the police, British Skydiving, and any other relevant authority when the investigation is complete.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 168 of April 27.