Runaway mower kills park worker

A park worker died on Thursday after a grass cutting machine ploughed into him and crushed him against a gate, police said.

John Kelly, 36, who was employed by Glasgow City Council, died after the accident in the city's King's Park earlier today.

Mr Kelly, of Crofton Avenue, Croftfoot, Glasgow, was standing outside a workshop within a yard in King's Park at about 8.15am when a tractor-style grass cutting machine apparently went out of control and trapped him against a gate.

Mr Kelly, who worked for the Land Services Department, was freed andtaken by ambulance to the Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow, suffering from serious chest injuries. He was dead on arrival.

The 34-year-old driver of the grass cutter, also a council employee, was uninjured but is being treated for shock.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said officials would co-operate fully with the investigation into the accident.

He said: "Our deepest sympathies go out to John's family and friends."