AN AVID Blackburn Rovers fan who left East Lancashire to start a new life in Australia has been electrocuted while fitting a factory alarm system.

Stuart Wogden, 42, whose parents live at Bunker's Hill Close, Blackburn, was working on the roof of a handbag company in Melbourne when the accident happened.

Police said it was believed that Mr Wogden, who was more than 6ft tall, had crouched down to crawl into a hole at the top of Strandbags Ltd office building in the suburb of Camberwell when he stood on a live wire.

He had been working as a sub-contractor and a health and safety investigation has been launched into the death.

Acting Sergeant Loretta Savero of Victoria Police said: "This was an unfortunate accident. Safety organisation Workcover are carrying out an investigation until the inquest opens."

The State Coroner's Office of Victoria will carry out the investigation into Mr Wogden's death. A statement from work colleagues at Strandbags Ltd said: "Stuart was a much loved friend and colleague and was so special. We will miss him more than words can ever say."

A friend in Australia said: "We will miss his great wit, and will remember his great passion for music and Blackburn Rovers."

He leaves his wife Beth in Australia, parents Brian and Shirley in Blackburn, brother Michael and grandmother Peggy, and has relatives and friends both in England and Australia.

A memorial service will be held tomorrow at St Mary's Church in Mellor. The family have asked for donations to be sent to the East Lancashire Hospice.

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