'Freak accident' kills farm worker

A MORAY farm worker was killed when a tractor and bogie he was driving touched an overhead power line.

Ambulance staff had to wait until Scottish Power staff isolated the power before they could approach Alex Riddoch (37), who was declared dead at the scene.

The tragic accident happened on Tuesday as Mr Riddoch, who lived at Grange, near Keith, worked in a field just off the A920 Colpy to Drum of Wartle Road at Nethertocher in Aberdeenshire.

Police, the ambulance service, the Health and Safety Executive and Grampian Fire and Rescue attended the incident just after 2pm Inspector Andrew Todd said: "The ambulance staff had to wait until the Hydro staff isolated the power before they could approach the man who was found to be dead."

A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.

Tribute was paid to Mr Riddoch by friend and farming colleague Brian McIntosh.