A CONSTRUCTION worker who fell 30 feet from a DIY store in York has died from his injuries.

Family, friends and colleagues were today in mourning for Simon Pickering, 20, who was pronounced dead on Wednesday night in Leeds General Infirmary.

Mr Pickering was initially taken to York District Hospital after the incident, which occurred on May 25, but was later transferred to Leeds by an ambulance with an escort.

Tragedy struck when Mr Pickering was working on the old B&Q store in Foss Islands Road, which is being turned into an MFI store by the building firm Totty Construction. A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said a full investigation was being conducted into Mr Pickering's fall.

He added that a full report into the incident was not expected for about two months.

A spokesman for Totty Construction said: "Naturally we are saddened by the event.

"It's always upsetting when something like this happens.

"It would be unfair to comment any further until the investigation has been completed."

Tony Lidgate, of North Yorkshire Police, said an inquest into the death of Mr Pickering was expected to open and adjourn next week.

Mr Pickering lived in a flat above a chemist shop in Malton Market Place with his brother, Darren.

Speaking from the flat today, a friend of the two brothers said the family was "tired and upset."

Simon's parents, Dawn and Alan Pickering, live at Brook House Farm, Burythorpe, where they moved while Simon was at secondary school.

Mr Pickering, speaking from the family home, said they were very sad and had much to think about.

"We have a lot to sort out," he added.

A resident in Burythorpe, who did not wish to be named, said the whole village was shocked to hear about Simon's death.

She said: "Everybody is absolutely devastated about it. The whole village has come to a standstill. It's very tragic indeed."