AS an investigation continues into his death, the many friends in Thurrock and further afield of Mandip 'Guppy' Jasarh have paid tribute to him.

Mr Jasarh, 50, died when a large forklift telehandler he was driving overturned while he was working at a warehouse on the London Gateway Logistics Park near Stanford-le-Hope on Wednesday, 26 May.

A statement released by Thurrock Council says: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the man's family, friends and colleagues at what we know will be an extremely difficult time for them.

"Thurrock Council is leading an investigation into the circumstances around this incident as is the case with all workplace accidents which occur in the borough. The council undertakes these investigations in its statutory role under the Health and Safety at Work Act."

A funeral service for Mr Jasarh, described by one of his friends as the 'funniest man you would ever meet' took place last Thursday (3 June).

Among the many tributes to a popular and much-loved family man who was well known in local footballing circles and through his many years of working at the Port of Tilbury were "a top fella who will be sadly missed by all that were lucky enough to know him", "he was always the life and soul", "he literally would light up any room" and "he was a legend and would light up any place, we are going to really miss him."

A date for the opening of an inquest into Mr Jasarh's death has not yet been released and it is expected to be some time until a full inquest is held.

Recently Thurrock Nub News [L] https://thurrock.nub.news/n/family-campaign-for-change-in-rules-regarding-accidents-at-work-and-the-ability-of-bereaved-to-seek-investigations [L+]featured a report detailing concerns of a local family about the length of time an official investigation into his death, more than 16 months ago, on another industrial site in the borough has taken, prompting criticism of the investigation system.

There is no fixed timescale for details to be considered and the council will not say how long the probe into Mr Jasarh's death will take, saying: "As we are sure you will understand while this investigation is ongoing, no further details can be released at this time including estimated timescales."