A CONTRACTOR has died following an industrial accident at the Dairycrest factory at Davidstow in which he reportedly fell from a roof.

The accident happened on November 4, two days after the man's 44th ­birthday. The incident was reported to police just after 2pm by ambulance control. Initial reports stated that he had fallen through a roof, and sustained serious head injuries.

He was taken to Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, by air ambulance, but died late on November 11.

The man, who was from Plymouth, worked for M J Stone Scaffolding Limited, who were sub-contracted to carry out maintenance by Dairycrest's main ­contractors.

The Health and Safety Executive are carrying out an investigation, in conjunction with the coroner,

A Dairycrest spokesman said: "We can confirm that a contractor was seriously injured in an accident while carrying out ­maintenance at our factory in Davidstow, on November 4. We were most sad to learn that he has since died from the injuries sustained in the accident.

"Representatives from the local Health and Safety Executive and police have visited the scene of the accident and we will ­ co-operate fully with any investigations. Our sympathies are with his family and friends at this tragic time."