A man has died at a recycling centre after reports a bale of waste fell on a worker.

Emergency services – including an air ambulance – were called to Chatham Docks after reports of a serious medical incident.

Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are both investigating the death of a man in his 50s.

A helicopter was seen landing on nearby St Mary’s Island on Friday morning and paramedics and police were called to the scene.

Despite the best efforts of workers and emergency services, the man could not be saved and he died at the scene.

An anonymous worker spoke to KentOnline, describing the shocking scene on Friday.

“I went out and saw the ambulances in our yard,” they said.

“It is my understanding when the lorries backed into the yard there was a bale of waste in the way and one of the guys was underneath.

“We tried to get him out but it became apparent quite quickly he wasn’t going to make it.

“It was awful and the yard staff were in complete shock.”

They say there were multiple ambulances and police cars as well as a helicopter at the scene.

“He used to be there all day to tidy the yard and clear the rubbish from the floor,” they added.

“I don’t think there has ever been a fatality.

“It is my understanding the yard is operating as normal today.”

KentOnline understands the man who died worked for PDMR, a business based at the Docks.

A police spokesman says the force was called by the ambulance service to a report of a medical incident at Chatham Docks shortly before 9.30am on Friday.

“Officers attended the scene where a man in his 50s was confirmed to be deceased,” a spokesman said.

“His next of kin have been informed

“Inquiries into the incident are underway in partnership with HSE, with a view to providing a report for the coroner.”

An HSE spokesperson added: “We are investigating this incident alongside Kent Police.”