POLICE, fire and ambulance services rushed to the docks after a worker died in a medical emergency.

DP World's operations were shut down for most of the day as a mark of respect in response to the death yesterday.

DP World, the deep sea container terminal operator in Southampton, confirmed the person was a worker who died due to natural causes.

Witnesses spotted fire engines, police cars, a helicopter and ambulances heading towards Dock Gate 20.

According to South Central Ambulance Service, the worker was "in an extremely difficult to access area". The service was called shortly after 11.30am.

Several hazardous area response team vehicles responded from the fire service.

"The high level of emergency services was a result of the patient being in an extremely difficult to access area," an ambulance spokesperson added.

READ MORE: Shock as worker dies at Southampton docks in 'difficult to access area'

READ NEXT: LATEST: Emergency incident at Southampton docks

DP World initially said it expected to resume operations at around 7pm yesterday.

A spokesman for the company said: “Very sadly, a colleague was taken ill and passed away of natural causes at Southampton yesterday.

"As a mark of respect we temporarily suspended operations.”

Fire services said they were called to the Southampton Container Terminals at 11.43am.

Readers have since paid tribute to the worker on the Echo's Facebook page.

Responding to the news, Kathi Iason said: "So very sad, thoughts are with the family at this sad time."

Derek Le Maistre said: "So sad to hear about this. Thoughts and prayers goes out to his family. RIP feller."

Paul Fynan added: "So sad thoughts and prayers to family and friends RIP."

Maureen Beesley said: "Sad news to hear, condolences to family, friends and work colleagues x RIP."

Tina Thomas said: "Deepest condolences to his family, friends and work colleagues."

Patty O'Dors added: "Thoughts are with his friends and family."

People near the incident yesterday told the Echo they heard sirens.

"You could just hear it all," said an Abacus Logistics employee.

Simon Taylor at SM:5 Developments on First Avenue said: "There were loads of fire engines, police cars, a helicopter, ambulances, all heading towards the dock, at 12 o'clock."

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