TRIBUTES have been paid to a Hadleigh special police constable who was crushed to death in a horrific farming accident.Kevin Smith, 48, died at the scene of the tragedy at an Essex farm.

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Hadleigh special police constable who was crushed to death in a horrific farming accident.

Kevin Smith, 48, died at the scene of the tragedy at an Essex farm.

Mr Smith, of Elton Walk, Tiptree, was working for Anglia Grain Services when he was caught between a fork- lift truck and a seed-cleaning vehicle at Mulley's Farm in Little Bromley.

Martin Ashburn, commandant of Suffolk Special Constabulary, said: "Kevin joined Suffolk's special constabulary in 1996. He was a valued member of the team at Hadleigh.

"He was well thought of by both regular and special constabulary colleagues and our deepest sympathy goes to his family."

Dick Warner, production director of Anglia Grain Services in Nayland, said: "This tragic accident has deeply shocked and saddened all of us at Anglia Grain Services.

"This is a family company and we have lost a close friend and colleague. The thoughts and prayers of all directors and staff at the company are with his family and close friends at this terrible time."

The Health and Safety Executive is currently investigating the accident which happened at 12.40pm on Wednesday.

Officers from Stanway Road Policing Unit went to the scene to deal with the incident but will not be officially investigating it.

Farmer Mary Cooper, of Mulley's Farm, said: "It was a terribly tragic accident. We are all very upset and very sad for his family and everybody concerned."

Ken Hatch, chairman of Little Bromley Parish Council, lives just 200 yards from the farm in Bentley Road.

He said: "This is very sad news. Everyone in the village will be shocked to think something like this has happened."