Man dies after parachute incident at industrial estate

Durham Police are treating the death as "unexpected"

A man has died after a parachute "incident" at an industrial estate.

Durham Police were called at 12.30 BST to South West Industrial Estate in Shotton, County Durham, on Saturday, following concerns for the welfare of a man.

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

Officers said a cordon was expected to remain in place for some time.

Detective Chief Inspector Mel Sutherland, leading the investigation, said the force was keen to speak to anyone who was travelling on the A19 between 12:20 BST and 12:30 BST.

"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.

A spokesperson for the North East Ambulance Service said: "We received a call at 12:22 BST to reports of an incident in the South West Industrial Estate area of Peterlee.

"We dispatched 4 Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART), a clinical team leader, a specialist paramedic, two ambulances and requested support from the air ambulance."