Investigation is under way into death of man electrocuted on Mountbatten Centre football pitch in Portsmouth

The 3G pitch at the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth is still sealed off after a man was electrocuted on Sunday night Picture: Jason Kay

The artificial pitch between the centre and Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre was last night sealed off after a 35-year-old died from the shock.

Mountbatten Centre operator Parkwood Community Leisure, which runs it on behalf of Portsmouth City Council, says it is now working to establish the circumstances behind the man’s death.

A statement issued by Parkwood Community Leisure said: ‘We have launched a formal investigation into this incident alongside our health and safety consultants from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

‘We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the gentleman’s family and friends at this difficult time.’

The council has also paid its respects to the victim and his family.

David Williams, Portsmouth City Council’s chief executive, said: ‘We are deeply saddened this has happened and our thoughts are with the family. Our centre operator Parkwood Leisure will be assisting the police with their investigations.’

RoSPA said there would be a site visit this week and that it would then work with Parkwood to ensure that a similar incident did not happen again.

A council source said it is thought that the accident happened during a game of football, but this has not been confirmed by the authorities.

Resident John Cass, of nearby Twyford Avenue, said there was a lot of police activity at the scene last night.

He said: ‘Obviously it’s very distressing to hear, and no-one likes to hear about this happening.

‘Our sympathies go out to his family.

‘We knew last night that there was an incident and there were a lot of police about.

‘First of all it was said a body had been found, and we assumed it was a dog walker who had passed away. But then it turned out someone had been electrocuted.’

A police tape remained in place around the entrance of the pitch this morning. A police car was also parked outside and council officials were seen arriving to meet with centre bosses over what happened.