Man's death at play centre treated as manslaughter

The death of a man while he was carrying out maintenance at an indoor play centre was being investigated as gross negligence manslaughter, police said.

David Linyard suffered critical injuries when he fell through the roof of the Play2Day centre in Martlesham Heath, near Ipswich, on 23 June.

The contractor had been carrying out work on the building and later died from his injuries in Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, Britpark Leisure Group Ltd, which owns the building, said.

Britpark Leisure added it was co-operating with Suffolk Police's investigation.

The force said the death was now being treated as gross negligence manslaughter and inquiries were ongoing.

A spokesperson for Britpark Leisure said: "Since the tragic accident during planned maintenance at our Play2Day centre at Martlesham Heath, Ipswich in June last year resulting in the death of contractor Mr David Linyard, we have co-operated fully with the investigation by the Health and Safety Executive, the police and East Suffolk Council.

"Whilst that investigation is continuing, it would be entirely inappropriate to make any comment."

Play2Day was temporarily shut in September last year so authorities could complete repairs to meet regulatory standards.

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