Want more news from across Surrey? Sign up to our daily newsletter! Sign up for free Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

AN accident during show preparations at G Live in Guildford left a tour manager dead and a group's singer in hospital.

Fisherman’s Friends, from Port Isaac in Cornwall, were due to play at the venue in London Road on Saturday (February 9).

While equipment was being unloaded for the show, a large metal shutter door fell, killing tour manager Paul McMullen and leaving singer Trevor Grills with serious head injuries.

Police were called to the venue shortly after 11.45am following a report that two men were trapped.

Mr McMullen suffered serious injuries to his legs. He was treated by paramedics but was declared dead at the scene.

Mr Grills was taken by ambulance to St George’s Hospital in Tooting.

The sea shanty band signed to Island Records, part of the Universal Music Group, in 2010.

The president of Island Records, Darcus Beese, said: “Everyone here is shocked by this tragic event, our hopes and prayers go out to the friends and families of those involved.”

Hundreds of tributes have been posted on the Fisherman's Friends Facebook page .

The band have performed in Port Isaac since 1995, but since signing a record deal they have appeared at the Glastonbury Festival and featured in a BBC Four documentary.

In 2011 the group picked up the ‘Good Tradition Award’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

'Full investigation'

A spokesman for Guildford Borough Council said: "The council expresses its condolences and sympathy to all involved, following the serious incident on Saturday February 9 at G Live.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the person who died and the person seriously injured, and also with everyone else on site or affected by this tragic event."

Staff from the council’s health and safety and building control teams assisted at the scene.

An area of the venue car park was cordoned off by police and the footpath between Dene Road and London Road was closed during Saturday afternoon.

A team from the council's Woking Road depot later erected fencing to secure the site.

The spokesman said: "A full investigation has already begun and at the moment this is the responsibility of outside agencies.

"This is a complex area for investigation and our health and safety team will continue to offer any necessary assistance.

"Our building control team will also continue to advise on ensuring the site remains safe.

"We are helping in any way we can during this very difficult and sad time."

G Live was closed on Saturday night meaning a show by comedian Sean Walsh was also cancelled.