A man’s body was discovered by a crane operator at a recycling facility while moving waste. The deceased, identified as Nicholas Milburn, was found at Haverton Hill recycling centre in Billingham. An inquest is currently ongoing following the discovery on September 24, 2025, which prompted the suspension of operations at the facility for a police investigation.
Police confirmed the man’s identity through fingerprint analysis conducted at the University Hospital of North Tees, positively matching Mr. Milburn. A post mortem examination revealed that the provisional cause of death was “chest injuries,” as reported by Teesside Live. Area coroner Paul Appleton mentioned that the crane operator, operating a remote-controlled claw in line three at the recycling plant, came across the deceased male while moving waste. Consequently, all site operations were halted after lowering the crane to the ground level.
Cleveland Police, after a Home Office Post Mortem examination, stated that the 45-year-old’s death was not considered suspicious. The ongoing inquest has been adjourned with no confirmed date for the next hearing.