Trench victim's body is recovered

Mr Wright was carrying out tests in the trench when it collapsed on him

The body of a Gloucestershire surveyor who died after a trench collapsed on him has been recovered.

The 27-year-old, from Cheltenham, who has been named as Alex Wright, was working on a building site in Brimscombe Lane, Stroud, on Friday.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. His body could not be removed till late Sunday afternoon after specialist teams ensured the surrounding area was safe.

Police said they were still not certain why the trench collapsed.

Spokesman Matt Ford said: "The body of the deceased has now been recovered. It has been taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in Gloucester.

"Police carrying out an investigation into the circumstances of the death remain at the scene at this time."

Insp David Evans, from Stroud Police, said: "The trench had already been dug and he was in it doing some testing.

"I'm not sure that we can relate this directly to the weather at this time. I think it was just a deep trench and one wall has collapsed."

The area had to be made safe before Mr Wright's body could be removed

A statement from Cotswold Geotech, where Mr Wright worked, said: "Alex was a committed, enthusiastic and experienced engineering geologist who always took the greatest of pleasure from his work.

"He had been a highly thought of member of the staff at Cotswold Geotech for over two and a half years and it was expected that he would soon achieve a more senior professional role within the organization.

"This small company is a very close-knit unit, and each and every one of us is totally devastated by his tragic death. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time."