Police are investigating the death at Westfield Farm on Armthorpe’s Nutwell Lane at around 8.47am yesterday morning, and have notified the Health and Safety Executive.

The dead man was this morning named as 59-year-old Clifford Hartley, from Skegness, in Lincolnshire.

Police investigators believe he fell through a roof while working on the site and suffered a serious head injury.

Building work is currently underway on a barn in the farm, but it has not been confirmed if this was where the fall occurred.

The farm’s boss Philip Lodge, who is chairman of the Doncaster branch of the National Farmers Union, was too upset to discuss the matter today.

He confirmed the incident had happened on his site and added: “It is a tragedy. I don’t want to say any more.”

A paramedic in a rapid response vehicle was first on the scene, providing first aid within minutes.

An ambulance followed and Mr Hartley was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary. Police say he died a short time later.

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said the investigation was currently with the police, although the executive had been advised of the death.

The Doncaster coroner’s office has been informed of the death and is expected open an inquest next week.

Mr Lodge’s NFU colleague Russell Toothill, chairman of the West Riding National Farmers’ Union, said: “It is a tragedy for all involved.

“All of us involved in farming try our best to avoid accidents but unfortunately there are occasions when they happen. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this.”

Westfield Farm is one of a number of farms in the Armthorpe area which fell victim to arson attacks last year.

Firemen spent a whole night fighting a barn fire in November.