A DELIVERY van driver died in an accident in Harescombe last night, Tuesday.

Several members of the public contacted the police shortly after 6pm to report that they had come across a white ‘14’ reg’ Nissan delivery van in Styles Lane, Harescombe.

They reported that a male, believed to be the driver, a 36 year old local man, was trapped beneath it and was unconscious.  

Paramedics and ambulance crews along with crews from the fire service attended the scene, but despite the work undertaken by the emergency services the man died at the scene. 

At the time the collision occurred it was dark but it was dry, only starting to rain shortly after the emergency services arrived.

Police Sergeant Dave Kania, the Senior Investigating Officer at the scene, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of this young man, no less so because at this time of the year everyone is thinking about their family and spending time together over the Christmas period. 

"This is a very tragic incident and I would appeal to anyone who can help, with any information, however small they feel it may be, to contact us."

A trained Family Liaison Officer will be supporting the family at this difficult time and throughout the investigation.

The Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit has commenced an investigation into the collision and are appealing for witnesses to contact them. 

They are asked to contact the investigating team by ringing the non-emergency number 101 and quoting log number 354 of 16 December. 

Officers would like to speak to anyone who travelled this route, who may have seen the van or who may have a camera fitted in their vehicle which may contain footage of the van or indeed from any local residents who may also have had any deliveries yesterday evening.