Skydiving board to investigate parachutist's death

Sky High Skydiving said the man's death would be investigated

The death of a parachutist who was found at an industrial estate will be investigated, a skydiving company has confirmed.

Durham Police was called to South West Industrial Estate in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, at 12:30 BST on Saturday, following concerns for the welfare of a man.

A man in his 40s died at the scene, police said.

Sky High Skydiving, which is based in the village near Peterlee, said a British Skydiving board of inquiry would investigate the incident.

The man was found by emergency services in South West Industrial Estate

North East Ambulance Service said it dispatched four hazardous area response teams , a clinical team leader, a specialist paramedic, two ambulances and requested support from the air ambulance.

Details of the man's identity are yet to be released.

Det Ch Insp Mel Sutherland explained the force was keen to speak to anyone who was travelling on the A19 between 12:20 and 12:30 BST on Saturday.

"They 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,” he added.

Board of inquiry

In a statement, Sky High skydiving, which is based at Shotton Airfield, said: "A British Skydiving board of inquiry will investigate the incident and when completed will submit reports to the coroner, the police, the CAA [Civil Aviation Authority], British Skydiving and any other relevant authorities.

"The report will include the board’s conclusions and will, if appropriate, make recommendations," it added.

The BBC has contacted British Skydiving for comment.