Three people have been arrested by police investigating a fatal bridge collapse in Roeburndale.

Police were called around 4.25pm on Tuesday (January 18) following a report of a serious incident on a farm. A Polaris Ranger vehicle pulling a trailer fell into a river when a wooden bridge, supported by scaffolding, collapsed.

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

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.

Three men have been arrested by police in connection with the incident.

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.”

A 55-year-old man from Preston, a 57-year-old man from Lancaster and a 52-year-old man from Lancaster were arrested on suspicion of gross-negligence manslaughter.

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