Pub chef dies in knife fall horror

by Lucy Britner

A chef was killed after falling on a knife in a pub kitchen.

Mark Hunt had only been working at the Stag in Leckhampstead, Berkshire, for two weeks when he slipped and stabbed himself in the stomach while preparing meals.

Staff and customers rushed to his aid but, by the time paramedics arrived, the 40-year-old was unconscious. Mark died an hour later at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. Co-owner of the freehouse Joe Berry said: 'Despite having only joined us two weeks ago, Mark and his partner Margarida made a positive impact on the Stag.

'Mark's incredible ability as a chef was immediately recognised and we all looked forward to many happy times together. We are now concerned with helping Margarida come to terms with her tragic loss.'

Thames Valley police spokesperson Sian Hick-man said there were no suspicious circumstances and an inquest had been opened and adjourned.

The news comes just weeks after the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a 'Watch Your Step' campaign to warn against slips and trips.

HSE senior press officer Mark Wheeler said: 'It's hard for us to comment on this as we don't know all the details but if the accident was caused after a slip there are several measures employers and employees can take including clearing any spillages as soon as they occur and wearing the correct footwear. This is a very rare incident.'

For more advice on health and safety in the workplace, visit www.hse.gov.uk