Friends of one of the men killed in an industrial accident at Banham Poultry have told of his kind personality and passion for fishing.

Eastern Daily Press: Neil Moon (left) and Jonathan (Jon) Collins (right) have been named as the men killed at the Banham Poultry factory in Attleborough. Picture Norfolk Constabulary.Neil Moon (left) and Jonathan (Jon) Collins (right) have been named as the men killed at the Banham Poultry factory in Attleborough. Picture Norfolk Constabulary. (Image: Archant)

Jon Collins, a 34-year-old pest control worker, died on October 3 at the chicken factory in Attleborough alongside his colleague Neil Moon, from Spalding, Lincolnshire.

An inquest opening on Thursday, October 12 revealed that Mr Collins was a resident of Watton.

A photograph provided by

Mr Collins family shows the former Sprowston High School pupil holding a large fish outdoors.

Jake Baxter, a Norwich photographer who was friends with Mr Collins, said: 'I don't know what happened, I was fishing with him and speaking to him just a week or two ago.

'You will be missed brother. I have only known you about six, seven years but you are one of the most decent people I had met. You always had respect and values and would help anyone.

'You were always there for me when I needed an ear, lent me fishing gear when I had broken mine. You would drive all the way out of your way to get me for a overnight fishing session. Made the best toasties on the bank ever as well!

'We had lots planned for the future.

'You will be missed by your family and friends and me mate. Keep fishing in the big blue lake above. And I will think about you every time I wet a line. My wishes go out to your family. And I will have one of out of Swanton Morley (Cerleys Lake) for you pal!'

Mr Collins was a part of Scoulton Mere Fishery Syndicate in 2017. Owner Mat Morley said: 'Jon used to come fishing here. I used to see him down by the lake, he was a very good fisherman. He wasn't very loud spoken, a very good natured sort of bloke.

'I was very sad to hear about the loss of him, especially in the circumstances.'

A statement from the family of Mr Collins was released on Thursday described him as 'a devoted family man who will continue to be loved and missed by all those who knew him'.

The deaths of Mr Collins and Mr Moon are being investigated by police and the results of post mortem examinations are awaited. Police have said a refrigeration gas leak is a potential line of enquiry.