A tree surgeon died when the chainsaw he was using bounced off a branch and tore into his neck, it emerged today.

Scott Donnison, 28, of Hollingbury Park Avenue, Brighton, is believed to have suffered a "kickback" from the saw.

Friends and family members paid tribute to Mr Donnison, saying he was remarkable for his "smiley" face and describing him as a lovely and amazing man.

He was working high in the branches of a tree at a house in Park Gate, Hailsham, when the accident happened.

Mr Donnison's injuries were so severe it is believed he died instantly. Neighbours saw his lifeless body hanging in his harness only minutes after the tragedy.

Police today confirmed that the tragedy happened after the chainsaw bounced off a branch.

A spokesman said: "Scott was working at height when it is believed his chainsaw kicked back off a branch and struck the side of his neck, killing him immediately."

Experts described a kickback as a sudden and uncontrollable movement of the blade after part of the saw comes into contact with a hard object. They said a "significant number" of injuries are due to such accidents.

Mr Donnison had been working with a colleague from Allan Russell Tree Surgery, an independent Polegate company with more than 20 years' experience.

He was 40ft up, while his colleague was on the ground.

Ambulance workers were unable to reach him and firefighters from Hailsham and Eastbourne were called.

A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman said: "This was a very traumatic incident for all the emergency services which attended. It was very sad that more could not be done to save this young man."

Friends said Mr Donnison loved his job.

A bouquet placed at the accident scene carried the message: "With deepest sympathy. It brings home just what we do for a living. Our thoughts are with those you have left behind.

Love, another climber and his family."

Bob Wickham, co-owner of Turners Hill Tree Surgeons, agreed it was a dangerous job.

He said: "You go up in a tree with a harness and rope and you're using a chainsaw.

"Of course it's a risky business.

But you're certificated and you have to be trained for this job."

Richard Brown, owner of Brighton-based Sherwood Contracts Ltd, said tree surgeons were trained to make the job as risk-free as possible but there would always be a danger.

He said: "On the whole there are very few accidents in this industry because of the emphasis on health and safety. But when they happen they tend to be fairly serious. This one was extremely unfortunate."

It is believed Mr Donnison had been working as a tree surgeon for about three years.

Martin Pope, who worked with him at a call centre three years ago, said: "It's such a shock. He was a lovely bloke and very popular.

"He was training to be a tree surgeon while I worked with him. He was so enthusiastic about it. It seemed to be a real passion for him."

Sussex Police are investigating the accident in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive.

An HSE spokesman said: "We will seek to determine the how, why and wherefores of this unfortunate death.

"We will find out if it was a freak accident or if there is a lesson to be learned.

"Health and safety law recognises there is no such thing as risk-free work. But there are duties of care that employees have to abide by."