AN investigation has been launched after a senior maintenance worker was killed at Camelot Theme Park, Chorley, on Monday -- just days before the end of this year's season.

Harold Mathews, aged 59, of Merton Road, Highfield, Wigan, was pronounced dead at the scene following an incident involving The Gauntlet ride.

It happened as Mr Mathews, who had been working on the ride, was standing inside the perimeter of the attraction.

The park was open to the public at the time, and there were lots of young visitors, many with their parents enjoying the half-term holidays.

One visitor told the Citizen he was on the ride and claimed that it struck a man.

Youngster Shaun McWen, of Garstang, said the man was "painting it with red diesel". He said: "I was on the ride. The ride hit the man."

Others who were on the ride at the time said they did not know how it had happened.

A couple visiting from mid-Cheshire said they were near The Gauntlet when they were told to clear it at about 1pm.

And Peter Dunmore, of York, who was with his family, said: "They just cleared the whole area off. Not just the ride, but about a third of the park.

"We never knew anything had happened until we went down to have a go on those rides. Somebody said there might have been an accident."

Police were called following the injury to Mr Mathews shortly after 2pm. Mr Mathews was pronounced dead and his body was taken to Royal Preston Hospital.

A post mortem examination has been carried out to try to establish the exact cause of death and Mr Mathews' family have been informed.

The park was immediately closed after the accident and remained closed all of Tuesday as a mark of respect for Mr Mathews' family.

Bosses at the park described Mr Mathews as one of their most skilled and experienced maintenance workers.

Roy Page, chief executive for the park, said: "Our condolences and deepest sympathy are with the family of our friend and colleague, Harry Mathews.

"The management and staff at Camelot are devastated and distressed at the tragic incident involving one of our colleagues."

The investigation is being carried out involving Lancashire police, the Health and Safety Executive and Camelot management.

The park was due to re-open yesterday (Wednesday) from 10am, then daily until Sunday, when the season ends.

The Gauntlet was unveiled earlier this year as part of the park's Land of the Brave, which contains several white-knuckle rides.

Mr Page said people who witnessed the accident were being offered counselling.