Tributes have been paid to a 21-year-old Bradford farm shop worker who died after plunging down a stairwell void in the famous Knavesmire Stand at York racecourse.

Jack Yates, of Queensbury, who had been at the race meeting with a group of friends, was pronounced dead at the scene after what police described as a “tragic accident” took place at about 5.30pm on Saturday.

The employee at Keelham Farm Shop, Thornton, had spoken of his excitement at going to the races on Twitter earlier in the day.

Last night colleagues at his workplace in Brighouse and Denholme Road, where he had been employed for about six years, told of their devastation and said he would be “deeply missed”.

One, who did not want to be named, said Mr Yates worked in the human resources department and was popular with all members of staff.

“It’s just such a shock,” he said.

“We’re still trying to get our heads around what has happened.

“He was extremely well-liked. We’re just trying to come to terms with it.”

Neighbours on Hillcrest Drive, where it is believed Mr Yates lived with his family, also told of their shock yesterday. One said: “It’s awful news. I only heard this morning. I don’t really know the family, but they left very early this morning, I presume to go to York.”

Bradford Councillor Lynda Cromie (Ind, Queensbury) said she and her husband, Councillor Paul Cromie, hoped to visit the family in the coming days to offer their condolences and support.

“It’s an absolute tragedy,” she said. “Queensbury is such a tight-knit community and we will do whatever we can to support his family. Our condolences go out to them, his friends and anyone in Queensbury who knew him. It is such sad news.”

Police are investigating the incident, which happened after hundreds of punters had enjoyed a sunny afternoon at the racecourse, where there were seven races on the card. The tragedy is understood to have happened after the last race had finished.

Inspector Charlotte Bloxham, of York Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Although we do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances and are treating the death as a tragic accident, I am appealing to anyone who was in the Knavesmire Stand at the time to contact the police.”

A statement released by York Racecourse said: “The thoughts and sympathies of all at York Racecourse go out to his family and friends.”

It is understood Mr Yates fell down the void between an internal stairwell at the stand, rather than from a balcony or down a flight of stairs.

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said: “The incident has been reported to us and we are liaising with the police, who are leading on the incident at this time.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact York police on 101.