The investigation into the death of Caister holiday site owner Don Peers is being led by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, it has been confirmed.

Mr Peers died in hospital on Monday after he became trapped under heavy machinery at Grasmere Caravan Park at Bultitudes Loke.

In a statement, Great Yarmouth Borough Council said: “We are aware of a tragic incident that took place yesterday at Grasmere Caravan Park, Caister in which a person has died.

“Yesterday, the council liaised with emergency services to make the site safe and has now started an investigation under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his friends and family.”

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Trust said: “We were called at 10.45am on February 12 to reports of an incident involving industrial machinery in Bultitudes Loke, Caister.

“A rapid response vehicle, ambulance, ambulance officer, volunteer medical response car from SARS and the East Anglian Air Ambulance attended.

“Ambulance crews worked with the fire service to rescue and treat the patient, who was then taken to James Paget Hospital by land ambulance in a critical condition.”

Three fire engines from Gorleston and Great Yarmouth were called out to the incident.

A Health and Safety Executive spokesperson said: “HSE is aware of the incident and is supporting the police with their initial enquiries.”