Pit worker killed in mine shaft plunge

Police were today investigating the death of a colliery worker who reportedly fell down a mine shaft at a pit.

Emergency services were called to Maltby Colliery, near Rotherham, shortly after 5pm yesterday, South Yorkshire Police said.

A specialist mines rescue team was among those called to the incident.

The man who died is believed to be in his 50s and from the Doncaster area. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A police spokesman said a post-mortem examination has not yet taken place.

He said: "Colliery management are working alongside South Yorkshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive who are conducting a joint investigation."

The spokesman said he could not give any further information about the nature of the incident.

The colliery was bought by the transport firm Hargreaves Services in 2007.