MANNINGTREE: An investigation has been launched after a young worker was fatally electrocuted at a factory.

Bradley Watts, who lived in Manningtree, Essex, was working in Chichester, Sussex, when it is believed he received an electric shock.

An air ambulance and paramedics were scrambled to Natures Way Foods site in Runcton on Thursday, June 2, but the 21-year-old contractor was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Health and Safety Executive has been made aware of the incident and will help Sussex Police with their investigation into the tragedy.

Susan Barrat, chief executive of Natures Way Foods, said in a statement : “Very regrettably a fatal industrial incident occurred on Thursday, June 2, at our Runcton site.

“This involved a sub-contractor who was working within the roof space on our premises.

“Our thoughts are very much with his family at this very difficult time.

“We are now working with the police and the Health and Safety Executive to determine the cause of the incident as quickly as possible.”

Tributes have flooded in for Mr Watts on his Facebook page.

Deborah Hollister, head teacher at Manningtree High School, where Mr Watts was a former pupil, said: “He is remembered for being a very kind-hearted boy. It is always sad when someone so young loses their life, especially in tragic circumstances.

“Our thoughts are with Bradley’s family and friends at this unhappy time.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Police have launched an investigation after a man died while working in the roof space of a factory near Chichester.

“The 21-year-old contractor from Essex was working at the factory in the industrial site at around 1.50pm on June 2 when it is believed he received an electric shock.

“The Health and Safety Executive is aware of the incident and will be assisting Sussex Police with the investigation.