IKEA death under investigation

Store reopens following yesterday's death

AN investigation into the death of a contractor at IKEA Reading yesterday (Wednesday) is still ongoing.

A man was killed at the Calcot store while working on a hydraulic goods lift, IKEA has confirmed.

Thames Valley Police is conducting an investigation into the accident, which occurred at around 2am on Wednesday.

The man has not been identified at this stage.

No arrests have been made.

Deputy retail manager, IKEA UK and Ireland, Javier Quinones, said: “We can confirm that the incident was related to a third-party contractor who was undertaking works on a hydraulic goods lift in the loading bay at the back of the store.

"At this stage we cannot comment any further on the cause of the incident until we have the results of an investigation being conducted by IKEA, the contractor, Thames Valley Police and Environment Health Officers.”

The store will open from 9.30am for browsing and shopping from 10am.

Thames Valley Police said it was investigating the accident alongside Environmental Health.

The Health and Safety Executive is not involved in the investigation.