Man dies after getting head stuck in chair at Birmingham cinema

'A full investigation into the nature of the incident is ongoing. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family who have our full support and assistance,' says Vue spokesperson

An investigation has been launched into the incident by environmental health (Elliot Brown / Flickr)

A man has died after his head was trapped in a freak accident with an electronic seat at a Vue cinema in Birmingham.

The cinema-goer went into cardiac arrest after his head was crushed by an electric footrest while he was attempting to rescue his phone.

The accident is said to have taken place when the man dropped his phone between two seats in the middle of a film at Vue cinema in Star City, which is in the north east of the city.

He is thought to have got trapped when the seat’s footrest clamped down on his head.

After his partner and staff at the cinema struggled to release him he was eventually liberated and taken to hospital.

Birmingham City Council has begun a health and safety investigation.

On Tuesday Vue cinema confirmed he died on 16 March.

“Following an incident which took place on Friday 9 March at our Birmingham cinema, we can confirm that a customer was taken to hospital that evening,” a spokesperson for Vue told The Independent in a statement.

“We are saddened to learn that he passed away on Friday 16 March.

“A full investigation into the nature of the incident is ongoing. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family who have our full support and assistance.”