Father's praise for drain crews

Michael Barnett learned of his son's death from a television report

The father of a man who got trapped in a storm drain and died during the summer floods has praised the emergency crews who tried to save him.

Michael Barnett spoke after an inquest jury ruled that the death of his son, also called Michael, was an accident.

He said he had spoken to the firefighters and police officers after they had given evidence at the inquest.

Humberside Police has apologised to Mr Barnett for the way he heard about his son's death - on television.

Mr Barnett's son's thigh became wedged in a temporary grille on a storm drain as the floods rose in Hull on 25 June.

All I can say is they were a brave bunch of lads

Michael Barnett Senior

He died from hypothermia after an unsuccessful four-hour operation to free him.

After the inquest, Mr Barnett said: "The emergency services did all they could. I've spoken to them. I've told them time and time again.

"I said 'Come on lads, get your heads up, you've done more than you should do',

"Some dived in without any equipment. All I can say is they were a brave bunch of lads."

Police apology

He paid tribute to his son, pointing to all the work he did for free, helping local people with their ponds and even maintaining the fish tank on a ward at Hull Royal Infirmary.

During the inquest, Mr Barnett told of how he learned of his son's death from a television report.

Emergency crews spent four hours trying to save Mr Barnett

He said he had gone to the scene in Hessle after being telephoned by his son's boss to say he was stuck but officers kept him back and told him to stay in a police car or go home.

Mr Barnett said he went home and turned on the television to watch coverage of the drama, when it stated that "the male trapped in the drain had died".

After the inquest Assistant Chief Constable Alan Leaver, of Humberside Police, apologised to Mr Barnett.

He said: "The fast-moving nature of this incident and the extent of the media coverage meant that Mr Barnett heard the news of his son's death before our normal support structures could be actioned."

Mr Leaver added: "Now, as throughout the last six months, Humberside Police's thoughts remain with Mr Barnett and all those who knew and loved Michael.

"They have suffered more than any as a result of a unprecedented and tragic events of June 25."