A founding member of rock group Electric Light Orchestra was killed when a giant bale of hay tumbled down a hill and crashed onto his van, it emerged yesterday.

Cellist Mike Edwards died after the 600kg bale careered down the side of a steep Devonshire field before it smashed through a hedge and onto the road.

The 62-year-old died instantly in the accident on Friday afternoon.

Police are now investigating whether the bale may have fallen from a tractor working on farmland next to the A381 in Halwell, near Totnes.

They believe the musician was killed after the loose bale gathered momentum as it rolled down the hill before landing on the front cab of his white van.

He is understood to have swerved into another vehicle as he was struck, at around 12.30pm. The second driver was unhurt in the collision.

Sergeant Steve Walker of the Devon and Cornwall police traffic unit, said: “This was a tragic accident and we have now identified the victim as Michael Edwards, a founder member of ELO.”