A butcher was killed as he prepared to slaughter a pig

Police in Hong Kong have confirmed that the 61-year-old shot the animal with a stun gun before the pig regained consciousness and knocked him over.

The butcher was found dead by another colleague with a meat cleaver in his hand and an injured left foot.

Detectives are yet to determine the cause of the man's death but it appears as if the pig caused the butcher to stab himself with a knife.

Hong Kong's Labour Department has launched an investigation and has said that it will recommend safety improvements to avoid any future tragedies.

A spokesperson said: "The Labour Department is saddened by the death of the person and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family.

"We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommended improvement measures."

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