The family of a young New Zealand man killed when a shop sign
fell on his head on a busy London street is getting consular
assistance from Foreign Affairs officials.
The victim, thought to be aged in his 20s, was hit by the
William Hill betting shop sign when he walked down Camden Rd
in North London, the Daily Mail reported.
He suffered a cardiac arrest and died in hospital.
The newspaper reported the hoarding may have fallen from the
front of the building after coming loose in strong winds.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman said the
ministry knew a New Zealander had died in an accident in
London, but would not confirm the man's identity.
"The ministry is providing consular assistance to the family
of the New Zealander. The family has asked media to respect
their privacy at this difficult time."
The spokesman could not say whether the man's family was
travelling to London.
He said the ministry was not able to release further details
at this stage.
Friends reportedly left flowers and a New Zealand flag at the
scene for the victim, named on a written tribute as "Jacko".
Local man Dave Preston told the Daily Mail the board could
have been weakened after anti-pigeon spikes were put on the
building.
"I was in the kitchen and I heard what sounded like an
explosion, I didn't know what to think, I thought it could
have been the gas.
"I looked outside and saw this poor guy lying there. He must
have been about 26, he was lying motionless, his head all
open, the blood was terrible.
"I just felt sorry for his parents or girlfriend or maybe
wife I don't know. It is just tragic to think about, such a
young life."
Police and the Camden Council are investigating.
A spokeswoman from the New Zealand High Commission in London
confirmed the man was a New Zealand national, but said he was
yet to be formally identified.
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