Three people killed in slurry vat
Three men were killed when they became trapped in a vat of slurry in Norfolk.
It is believed two of the workers had plunged into the 12-feet deep tank to save the other man.
Emergency services were called to the farm near the A1075 Watton Road at Great Hockham, near Thetford, at 0800 BST on Monday.
A fourth man escaped from the tank, which contained chicken waste to be used as fertilizer, and was treated in hospital after inhaling fumes.
Norfolk Police said they were not treating the deaths as suspicious, and a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been launched.
A HSE spokeswoman said the men had been involved in a mobile slurry-spraying operation at the farm.
She said the mobile tanks - used to spray the slurry on fields - were being operated by Thetford-based firm Enviro-Waste Ltd.
Nick Excell, divisional officer of Norfolk Fire Service, said crews from Thetford, Watton and East Harling had used breathing apparatus to try to rescue the three men.
"Tragically, despite the best efforts of our firefighters, we were unable to save the men," he said.
"Our sympathies go out to the relatives of those involved."
Firefighters recovered the bodies from the vat and the three men were declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
On Monday afternoon Enviro Waste issued a statement saying: "We wish to offer our deepest sympathy to all of the families concerned with the tragic events earlier today.
"The loss of three highly valued members of our small staff has both shocked and saddened all of us.
"Our thoughts are with the families and we will continue to offer our full support.
"A comprehensive investigation is under way regarding the circumstances of the events and we will be co-operating fully with the Health and Safety Executive."
Norfolk Police said they were unlikely to name the three men until Tuesday afternoon.
