AN inquiry was under way last night after a parachutist died during a training jump.

Steven Cooper was doing a free-fall with the civilian Merlin Parachute Club - which is based at Alanbrooke Barracks at Topcliffe, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire - when it is understood both his main parachute and reserve chute failed to open.

The tragedy is believed to have happened during a jump from 3,500ft at 5.30am on Saturday.

No one from the club could be contacted yesterday, but a police spokesman said it was not 30-year-old Mr Cooper's first free-fall jump.

Mr Cooper came from the Wakefield area of West Yorkshire.

A police spokesman said: "The matter is being investigated on behalf of the coroner.