Devastated family pay tribute to grandad killed at Sunderland Docks

Brendan Eccles, 61, died after the incident at an industrial plant at Prospect Row, at Sunderland Docks, which happened at around 9.50am on Friday.

Enquiries to establish the circumstances of the incident are ongoing with police working in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive. Officers say a coroner’s inquest will be opened in due course.

The family of Mr Eccles, who was from the Billingham area, have released a statement telling of their loss.

A family statement read: “We are absolutely devastated by what has happened.

“Brendan was a loving husband, father and grandfather and we are still coming to terms with this tragic loss.

“Brendan was kind, thoughtful and well-liked by everyone who knew him and words cannot describe what has happened.

“We would ask for people to respect our privacy at this difficult time.”