Three people arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after fatal Roeburndale bridge collapse

Three people were arrested by detectives investigating a fatal bridge collapse in Roeburndale.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

A Polaris Ranger pulling a trailer plunged into a river after a bridge in the Moor Lane area collapsed at around 4.25pm on Tuesday (January 18).

Eleven people were in the vehicle and trailer at the time of the incident as part of an organised shoot, police said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Brian Harwood, 73, from Penrith, Cumbria, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

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

Following further investigation, three men were arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter today (January 20).

They were a 55-year-old man from Preston, a 57-year-old man from Lancaster and a 52-year-old man from Lancaster.

They have since been released under investigation.

A Polaris Ranger pulling a trailer plunged into a river after a bridge in the Moor Lane area collapsed (Pic: Thomas Beresford)A Polaris Ranger pulling a trailer plunged into a river after a bridge in the Moor Lane area collapsed (Pic: Thomas Beresford)
A Polaris Ranger pulling a trailer plunged into a river after a bridge in the Moor Lane area collapsed (Pic: Thomas Beresford)
Read More
Community in shock after bridge collapse near Lancaster sends vehicle and traile...
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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."

Brian Harwood (pictured) suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene (Credit: Lancashire Police)Brian Harwood (pictured) suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene (Credit: Lancashire Police)
Brian Harwood (pictured) suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene (Credit: Lancashire Police)

He added: "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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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

Anyone with information about the incident can contact police on 101, quoting log number 0953 of January 18.

It is thanks to our loyal readers that we can continue to provide the trusted news, analysis and insight that matters to you.

For unlimited access to our unrivalled local reporting, you can take out a subscription HERE and help support the work of our dedicated team of reporters.