A MAN has died after reportedly being dragged into a machine at an industrial estate in Poole.

Police confirmed this morning that the man, a 60-year-old foreign national, was involved in the accident at Brett Landscaping and Building Products on the Nuffield Industrial Estate in Hatch Pond Road at around 8pm last night.

Speaking to the Daily Echo at the scene, PC Bowditch, of Poole Police station, said: “At about 8pm last night a gentleman had been injured by a conveyor belt.

“He was brought to Poole Hospital, where he later died.”

It is thought that the man was dragged into a brick-making machine and suffered a crushed arm.

He was taken to hospital at about 9pm, but died shortly after.

The site is closed today in the wake of the tragedy.

Pat Hastings, production director at the firm, said this morning: “We can confirm that one of our employees has died following an accident at our factory on the Nuffield Industrial Estate in Hatch Pond Road, Poole, yesterday evening.

“He was a maintenance fitter, who was a very popular and valued member of our team, and our thoughts are with his family and his colleagues as well.

“We are shocked and saddened by the accident and at this early stage we are carrying out a full investigation, together with the Health and Safety Executive and the police, to find the root cause of this incident.

“All our employees have been sent home because they are in shock and we have suspended sales at this site while the investigation continues.”

A police spokesman added: “A 60-year-old man was taken to Poole Hospital with serious injuries but sadly later died. The next of kin have been informed and the coroner notified.

“The health and safety executive has been informed of the incident.

"A joint investigation has been launched by Dorset Police in conjunction with the health and safety executive into the circumstances of this tragic death.”