Coleford Ribena factory worker dies after serious incident

The Ribena and Lucozade factory is in Coleford, Gloucestershire

A 50-year-old man has died after a serious incident at a factory which makes soft drinks Ribena and Lucozade.

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I, which runs the factory in Coleford, Gloucestershire, confirmed a worker had died on 22 April.

Carol Robert, chief operating officer of Suntory, said the firm was "deeply saddened" by the incident.

The Health and Safety England (HSE) said it is investigating the incident alongside Gloucestershire Police.

A police spokesperson confirmed the force received a call at 15:50 BST on 22 April with a report that a man had been injured during a workplace incident at a unit on Rock Lane in Coleford.

He was airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol to be treated for serious injuries but died on 25 April, the force added.

The factory produces 1bn bottles every year and employs about 300 people

Ms Robert said Suntory had been in "close communication" with the man's family.

She added: "The whole business extends our sincere condolences at this extremely difficult time.

"We are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation by the regulator. Given that it is very much a live investigation, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.

"Our thoughts remain with the family of our colleague, and we would also ask that their privacy is respected at this time."

The factory, one of the largest owned by Suntory in Europe, produces 1bn bottles per year and employs about 300 people.