Wed, Mar 11, 2009
Hunt Supporter May Have Been Mowed Down By Taxiing
Gyro
A 48-year-old man known for his enjoyment of working with dogs
to support foxhunters in England is dead, and local officials are
investigating the possibility of foul play.
Trevor Morse was pronounced dead at Long Marston airfield, near
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, on Monday. Two men were arrested
on suspicion of murder, and were being questioned to determine
whether they intentionally ran Morse down with a gyroplane (file
photo above).
The Times of London reports between 80 and 100 huntsmen were out
on the last day of the Warwickshire hunt season, and say they were
being followed by a gyroplane for about two hours in the early
afternoon Monday. An animal-rights group called Protect Our Wild
Animals was known to be using such an aircraft to watch for
over the past three weeks.
The group's website says it, "...advocates the observance of
hunts by use of video and stills cameras to record the cruelty and
vandalism of hunting."
There had reportedly been complaints from both hunt participants
and landowners about low flights. While they can't hover,
gyroplanes are well-suited for low, slow flight and surveillance
applications. UK law requires they maintain at least 500 feet AGL
when around people, unless taking off or landing.
Responders to the airport reported Morse was beyond help when
they arrived. It is thought he may have gone to the airport to
confront the pilot, and was struck by the craft as it was being
taxied to fuel pumps.
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