Rabbit Hunter Shot Dead In 'Tragic Accident'

A man has died while out hunting rabbits with friends in what is thought to be a "tragic accident".

The 30-year-old suffered a gunshot wound while hunting in fields in Brockton, near Bishop's Castle, in Shropshire.

It is believed the man was taking part in one of three or four organised hunting trips held at the farm each year. The Shropshire Star reported that two men were understood to be passing through a gate between fields when one behind stumbled - and his gun fired, shooting his friend.

It said the alarm was raised immediately but that, despite receiving treatment at the scene, the man died of his injuries.

West Mercia Police said the man, who has not yet been formally identified but is thought to be from Staffordshire, was killed at around 9.30pm on Friday while "rabbiting with a colleague".

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A force spokesman said: "We are continuing to investigate the circumstances but at this stage it would appear to be a tragic accident."

The Coroner for Shropshire, John Ellery, has been informed and a post-mortem examination is likely to be carried out on Tuesday, the spokesman added.