IKEA Reading closed following death

Police investigating after contractor was killed in a work based accident

IKEA Reading is closed after a man died in a work based accident this morning (Wednesday).

Deputy Retail Manager, IKEA UK and Ireland, Javier Quinones, said: “We are very saddened to confirm that this morning, 19th October, a contractor died in an incident on our site in Reading.

"The safety and security of everyone on our premises is always our highest priority and we are now supporting the Thames Valley Police with their investigation.

"The store will remain closed this morning. Our thoughts are with the individual’s family at this time."

Staff are directing customers away from the store and signs informing drivers of the store's closure have been put in place.

Police were called to the store at the Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Calcot, at 2.33am by the South Central Ambulance Service.

An investigation is ongoing however, an ambulance spokesman said that the contractor had died in a work based accident.

Fire crews were also called to the scene.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police, Jack Abell, said: "We attended the scene, where sadly a man had died. No arrests have been made.

"Officers remain at the site while an investigation is carried out, and the store is currently closed."