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Tree worker killed by his chainsaw
A tree surgeon has died after accidentally injuring his neck with a chainsaw.
Scott David Donnison, 28, was working 40 feet up a tree at a house in Park Gate, Hailsham, on Wednesday morning when the horrific accident happened.
Paramedics arrived on the scene shortly before 11am and found Mr Donnison suspended high in the tree, still in his harness.
They were unable to reach him and had to call out firefighters from Hailsham and Eastbourne, who used a hydraulic platform to get to the stricken tree surgeon.
They were forced to cut down branches to reach the man but paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
One local resident saw the attempted rescue operation taking place.
She said, "I could see he had a chainsaw and was leaning back in a harness.
"The paramedic went up first - I guess to check if he was still alive.
"They had to chop more branches down to get to him.
"They were up there for ages - from about 11.15am for at least a couple of hours."
Neighbour Ron Lucas said roads around the area were blocked by emergency services vehicles.
He said, "They all came down to try and do something to save him but it was too late."
Mr Donnison, who lived in Brighton, was believed to be working for Allan Russell Tree Surgery, a company with more than 20 years' experience.
The Polegate-based firm yesterday declined to comment.
Mr Donnison had been married for just two years. His wife was yesterday being comforted by family in Winchester, Hampshire.
Police said Mr Donnison was wearing all the correct safety harnesses and was wearing reinforced trousers and a helmet.
A spokesperson said the tragic incident was being treated as an industrial accident.
The Health and Safety Executive is also investigating.
An inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday (Thursday).
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Weather for Eastbourne
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: West
