An investigation has been launched following the death of a pensioner after an accident involving a forklift truck at a DIY superstore.

The 70-year-old woman, who has not been named, was shopping in the B&Q store in Poole, Dorset, when she was seriously injured at 1000BST on Saturday.

She was taken to Poole Hospital but was certified dead half an hour later.

The driver of the forklift, who was fully trained, was sent home in deep shock after being questioned by police, a B&Q spokeswoman said.

'Condolences'

The Health and Safety Executive has taken over the investigation into the circumstances of the death from the police.

The environmental health department of Poole Borough Council is also to start an investigation into the accident.

B&Q spokeswoman Lorian Coutts said: "We are not sure whether it was something wrong with the forklift truck or driver error. That is what the investigation is to find out.

"We have been trading for 30 years and have three million customers a week and this is the first time this has happened.

"We take it very seriously and send our condolences to the woman's family."

The store was closed for the rest of the day.