An investigation has been launched into the death of an elderly man who reversed a dumper truck into a quarry.

The unnamed 76-year-old reversed a 25-tonne articulated vehicle into the David Geddes Quarry in Kinnell, near Friockheim, Angus.

It is not yet known whether the man was working at the quarry or how the vehicle came to be in reverse.

Emergency services attended the scene yesterday shortly after 11.30am but were unable to save the accident victim.

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A spokeswoman for Tayside Fire and Rescue said they sent out firefighters from Arbroath and Dundee.

She said: "We had two appliances from Arbroath and a specialist heavy vehicle rescue unit from Dundee. We got the call at 11.31 this morning and attended the scene.

"We then had to leave the area while the Health and Safety Executive carried out investigations before returning to the scene to make sure it is secure."

A spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance service said that they attended at the scene.

He said: "We did attend the incident, we had two ambulances and a Tayside trauma team."

A spokesman for the David Geddes Group said: "Our sincerest condolences go out to the family.

"We can't comment any further at this time as investigations are ongoing."

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and will examine the case.

(NE)