More Time To Question Gyrocopter Suspects

Detectives investigating the death of a hunt supporter, killed when he was hit by a light aircraft, have been granted more time to question two men on suspicion of murder.

Trevor Morse, 48, from Alderminster, Warwickshire, died after being struck by the gyrocopter at Long Marsden airfield near Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire, as he followed a hunt.

Two people, said to be hunt saboteurs, were arrested by police after the incident, which took place at around 3pm on Monday.

It emerged huntsmen had complained to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that they were being followed by a gyrocopter just days before the collision.

Hunt master Sam Butler paid tribute to the victim, and said a gyrocopter had been following the Warwickshire hunt and others in the last few weeks.

Mr Butler said: "It is a tragic but fatal accident, our first and foremost thoughts are with Trevor's family and we must wait for the facts and the truth ourselves.

"He was a very great supporter, a passionate believer in country sports and hunting and the tribute I pay is not only to him but to his family."

The Health and Safety Executive and the Air Accident Investigation Branch have both been informed.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said it had received a complaint about the gyrocopter 10 days ago.

A spokesman said: "The CAA can confirm that it has received a complaint regarding the operation of the gyrocopter involved in yesterday's incident.

"We can confirm that the complaint was received 10 days ago and an investigation had commenced prior to yesterday's incident.

"The CAA is investigating that complaint in conjunction with the police."

Warwickshire Police have until midnight on Wednesday to question the two men who were travelling in an aircraft at the time of the incident.

It has been reported a privately owned aircraft – similar to a small helicopter – had landed at the Long Marsden airfield to refuel when the collision occurred on Monday.

(JM/BMcC)