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Conservationist injured and cameraman killed in air crash

Conservation Without Borders Dan BurtonConservation Without Borders
Dan Burton died in the crash

A conservationist has been seriously injured and her cameraman killed in a paramotoring crash in the north west Highlands.

Australian biologist Sacha Dench and Dan Burton were in the final stages of a challenge to circumnavigate Britain to raise awareness of climate change.

Police said their paramotors collided close to Loch Na Gainmhich near Lochinver in Sutherland.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident at about 16:45 on Saturday.

The Devon-based charity Conservation Without Borders said Mr Burton, 54, was killed and its founder, climate activist Ms Dench, seriously injured.

The pair were flying the battery-powered paramotors to mark the forthcoming UN climate change conference in Glasgow.

PA Media Sacha DenchPA Media
Sacha Dench and Dan Burton were in the final stags of the challenge
Crash scene
Police at the scene of Saturday's crash

The charity said in a statement: "We are very sorry to have to confirm that Dan Burton, the support paramotorist has died as a result of the accident. Sacha Dench is seriously injured and is being treated in hospital. Her injuries are serious but not life threatening.

"Both highly experienced paramotorists, our thoughts are with the family of Dan Burton to whom we offer our sincere condolences."

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "Police were informed about the incident near by the A894 shortly before 16:45 and inquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing. The next of kin of those involved have been informed."