UPDATED: Two found dead after suspected refrigeration gas leak at UK poultry factory
Two subcontractors from a pest control company were found dead at Banham Poultry yesterday (October 4)
Alex Black
Police investigating the death of two men at Banham Poultry in Attleborough, Norfolk, are investigating a refrigeration gas leak near to where the men were working.
Police were called to Banham Poultry, in the early hours of yesterday (Thursday 4) following reports two subcontractors working on the site from a pest control company had been found dead.
The men, aged in their 30s and 40s, were found close to the factory. No one else was injured.
It is believed there is no threat to the wider public as result of the gas leak.
Norfolk Police along with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and the Health and Safety Executive continue to assess the scene in order to understand the circumstances which lead to the men’s deaths.
A police cordon remains in place whilst the enquiry continues and extra patrols will take place to offer reassurance.
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Police said the next of kin had been made aware.
Detective chief inspector Stu Chapman said: "On behalf of Norfolk Police and other emergency services, I offer my condolences to the friends and families of the men killed in this incident and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
"Colleagues from Norfolk Fire Service continue to make the scene safe so that detailed investigations can begin between police, fire, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), to understand the circumstances which lead to the men’s deaths."
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It comes after news the business was searching for a buyer following a difficult summer with doubts over the future for its 1,000 workers.
The Company supplies chicken to major supermarkets, and other established stores and wholesalers throughout the UK
The company had received two offers from potential buyers but was only willing to accept one which would keep the company in Norfolk, where it has traded for 50 years.
Mid-Norfolk MP George Freeman said on twitter he understood the company was not in administration but Lloyds Bank was ‘pushing in that direction’ if a buyer could not be secured.
“At least two bids on the table: one would see Banham remain in Attleborough, the other not,” he tweeted.
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