TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'great dad' and avid Aston Villa fan who tragically died in an accident at work this week in Rowley Regis.

Mitchell Pountney, aged 23, was killed in an horrific incident at Cutting Edge Skirting in Station Road on Monday.

His devastated friend Josh Hazlett has launched a campaign on Twitter, calling on Villa fans to honour Mitchell with applause in the 23rd minute of the next home match against West Ham United on Monday, September 16.

Emergency services were called to Station Road at around 10.57am on Monday but the 23-year-old had suffered multiple serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Writing on Twitter at @JxshAV_, Josh said: "Can everyone please help me get something done on behalf of Aston Villa at their next home game?

"Sadly my friend lost his life in a critical work injury and sadly got pronounced dead at the scene.

"He was a massive, massive Villa fan so on the 23rd minute can we all have a round of applause for my mate Mitchell Pountney?

"He wasn’t just a mate who I played football with, he was a person who I classed as a brother."

Josh's plea was liked by hundreds. He said he was unable to attend the game due to work commitments - but appealed for someone to begin the applause for his friend, who he said was a 'great dad' and to record it so he could send it to Mitchell's partner Laura.

West Midlands Police said after the tragedy: "Police were called following an industrial accident in Station Road, Rowley Regis, just after 11am on Monday (September 2).

"A man in his 20s was sadly confirmed dead at the scene.

"The case been passed to the Health and Safety Executive."

The Health and Safety Executive, which regulates health, safety and welfare in the workplace, confirmed it is investigating the man's death.

A spokesman said: "HSE has made enquiries and our investigation is ongoing."