Three men arrested on suspicion of gross-negligence manslaughter after Lancashire bridge collapse

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of gross-negligence manslaughter after a man died in a bridge collapse during a shooting trip in rural Lancashire.

Brian Harwood, from Penrith in Cumbria, was injured when the vehicle he was travelling plunged into the river beneath the wooden span.

The 73-year-old died at the scene.

Detectives investigating the fatal bridge collapse said he was one of 11 people travelling as part of a shooting party across the wooden bridge, supported by scaffolding, when it gave way.

Officers were called at around 4.25pm in remote Roeburndale on Tuesday following a report of a serious incident on a farm.

Police said a Polaris Ranger vehicle had been pulling a trailer across the bridge when it collapsed.

Two other men aged in their 60s and 70s were receiving treatment in hospital for their injuries.

Lancashire Contabulary said the three men arrested by police in connection with the incident were held then released under investigation on Thursday.

A 55-year-old man from Preston, and two men from Lancaster, aged 57 and 52, were taken into police custody on suspicion of gross-negligence manslaughter.

Det Insp Mark Dickinson, of Lancashire Police’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: “This investigation remains in its early stages and we are conducting a number of enquiries to establish exactly what has happened, including whether any criminal offences were committed.

“Three men have been arrested and are assisting police with our enquiries. They have now been released, but remain under investigation.

“We are supporting the families of those involved and working with partners, including the Health and Safety Executive, to establish what caused the bridge to collapse.

“Our thoughts remain with Mr Harwood’s loved ones and everyone affected by this tragic incident."