Appeal over Segway boss's death in scooter cliff fall

Mr Heselden was said to have donated more than £23m to charity

Police want to speak to witnesses who may have seen a millionaire businessman before he plunged to his death while riding a motorised scooter.

Jimi Heselden, 62, owner of Segway Inc, crashed into the River Wharfe while riding one of his firm's scooters in Thorp Arch, Boston Spa, West Yorkshire.

Officers want to speak to anyone who may have seen Mr Heselden in the time leading up to his death on Sunday.

Post-mortem tests revealed he died from injuries consistent with a fall.

West Yorkshire Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious.

Charity donations

A police spokesman said: "Police are appealing for information from anyone who may have seen James Heselden on Sunday morning in the time leading up to his death.

"Mr Heselden is described as a white male, with short white hair, 5ft 7in in height, average build, and was wearing black trousers, black shoes, a light blue shirt and a white sports jacket.

"He is thought to have been using a black and silver Segway type vehicle on an elevated path that runs alongside the River Wharfe and was travelling in the direction of Leys Lane from Boston Spa between 11am and 11.30am."

Mr Heselden, who founded Leeds-based company Hesco Bastion, acquired the Segway operation in December 2009.

The devices are electric, two-wheeled, self-balancing machines. They were invented by Dean Kamen and unveiled in 2001.

The tycoon was well known for his donations to charity, giving more than £20m to good causes.

Speaking on Tuesday, a family spokesman said: "Our family has been left devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of a much-loved father and husband."