A factory worker has died following an accident on an industrial estate.

Hand 2 Mouth Ltd has confirmed employee Martyn Hartnell was killed at its factory at Bluebridge Industrial Estate, Halstead.

It is understood Mr Hartnell, who was in his forties, was fatally injured during an incident involving a forklift truck.

Essex Police is leading an investigation into the incident, which occurred on Monday morning, however, officers say they are not treating the death as suspicious.

A spokesman said: “Police are investigating the circumstances of a work-related death at an industrial estate in Halstead.

“A man, aged in his forties, suffered severe injuries during an industrial incident on July 30 and sadly died. A post mortem examination will be conducted in due course.”

Police and paramedics attended the scene along with the Magpas Air Ambulance in an attempt to treat the fatally injured Mr Hartnell.

Hand 2 Mouth, which manufactures brands such as Eat Natural, says it will now work closely with police and the Health and Safety Executive to determine exactly what happened.

The company’s Halstead factory, which operates on a 24-hour basis, was closed soon after the incident and operations were also halted on Tuesday as a mark of respect.

Praveen Vijh, co-founder of Hand 2 Mouth, has led the tributes to Mr Hartnell and says he will be missed by all who knew him.

He said: “All of us are deeply affected by the death of Martyn Hartnell.

“He was hard-working, respected and liked by all of his colleagues, and will be deeply missed by us all. We are all heartbroken and send much love to his family.

“We are all slowly returning back to work today after having closed the makery for two days as a mark of respect.

“We will create an event whereby everyone can remember him, and will announce more on this in due course.”