Police have arrested three man after a 73-year-old man died and two others were left needing hospital treatment when a bridge collapsed during a £900-a-head pheasant shoot.

Brian Harwood, Penrith, Cumbria, was killed when his Polaris Ranger pulled a trailer and fell into the river. The wooden bridge that supported scaffolding collapsed in Lancashire.

After receiving a call about a serious accident at a Roeburndale farm, police were dispatched around 4.25pm Tuesday. The incident occurred when eleven people were inside the trailer and ranger vehicle.

Harwood died from his injuries.

Three men were arrested by Lancashire Police on suspicion for gross-negligence murderer. They are a Lancaster man aged 55, and Lancaster man aged 57.

Brian Harwood, of Penrith, Cumbria died after a Polaris Ranger vehicle pulling a trailer fell into a river when the wooden bridge, supported by scaffolding, collapsed

Brian Harwood, Penrith, Cumbria, was killed when a Polaris Ranger pulling a trailer crashed into a stream. The wooden bridge that supported the scaffolding collapsed caused it to fall into the river.

Police were called around 4.25pm on Tuesday following a report of a serious incident on a farm in Roeburndale. Pictured: The bridge in Lancashire

After receiving a call about a serious incident at a Roeburndale farm, police were dispatched around 4.25pm Tuesday. Pictured: A bridge in Lancashire 

The three men have been released but remain under investigation, Det Insp Mark Dickinson, of Lancashire Police’s Force Major Investigation Team, said.

Det. Insp. Richardson stated that “This investigation continues in its early stages” and added: “We are conducting many enquiries to find out exactly what occurred, including whether criminal offenses were committed. 

“Three men were arrested, and they are helping police with their inquiries.” These men were released and are currently being investigated. 

“We are supporting their families and working together with partners such as the Health and Safety Executive in order to find out what caused this bridge to fall. 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Harwood family, his loved ones, and anyone who was affected by this terrible incident.”

This comes just days after Harwood’s partner made a tribute to him by stating that everyone enjoyed his company. 

Police confirmed three men have been arrested on suspicion of gross-negligence manslaughter. Pictured: Scene where the bridge collapsed

The police confirmed that three suspects were taken into custody on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. Photo: The scene where the bridge fell

Eleven people were in the ranger vehicle and trailer at the time of the incident. Pictured: The collapsed bridge, which was supported by scaffolding, in Lancashire

The incident occurred when eleven people were riding in the Ranger Vehicle and Trailer. Pictured is the collapsed bridge in Lancashire, supported by scaffolding.

The fatal incident took place near Roeburndale, Lancashire - just a few miles from the Yorkshire Dales border

This fatal accident occurred near Roeburndale (Lancashire), just a few kilometers from the Yorkshire Dales border.

Partner of the victim said that Brian meant so much to him and all those around him. He was loved by everyone he met. 

“We are deeply shocked by the events and support all investigations. We ask for privacy to allow us to grieve and process our grief in peace. 

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Police, emergency crews including ambulance, fire, and rescue personnel were on the scene.

The investigation is ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to Det. Insp Kirsty, Lancashire Police: “Our investigation into the collapsed bridge yesterday is still ongoing.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Harwood family, his loved ones, as well as everyone who was affected by this terrible incident.

“We are standing by the loved ones and working together to find out what led to the collapse of the bridge.

“Our investigations are ongoing with investigators expected at the scene for the next days.

“I want to express my gratitude to all the emergency personnel who assisted in the operation under very difficult circumstances, and the Roeburndale community for their assistance while we continue our inquiries.”

After it became clear that the place where the tragedy happened was owned by one of the most wealthy men in the country, formerly Prince Philip.

Locals say Ian Banks operates the £900-a-head pheasant shoot on the area where the collapse happened. 

Mr Harwood was pronounced dead at the scene, while two men aged in their 60s and 70s were injured. Pictured: The scene where the bridge collapsed and caused the vehicle to fall

At the scene Mr Harwood died, and two other men in their 60s or 70s received injuries. Pictured is the area where the bridge gave way and the car fell.

Emergency services, including fire crews, at the scene of where a bridge has collapsed in Roeburndale, Lancashire

Emergency services, including fire crews, at the scene of where a bridge has collapsed in Roeburndale, Lancashire

Locals say Ian Banks operates a £900-a-head pheasant shoot on the land where tragedy was

Locals say Ian Banks operates a £900-a-head pheasant shoot on the land where tragedy was

Cave & Mountain rescue units are also in attendance at the scene after a vehicle fell into the river

Cave & Mountain rescue units are also in attendance at the scene after a vehicle fell into the river

Banks is also a game farm owner and has years experience working with Royalty.

The website of his company states that ‘when an opportunity later presented itself for Ian to join our team as beat keeper for Duke of Westminster’, he took it with both hands. For 4 years, he produced quality, driven shootings for Royalty such as the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Philip.

When MailOnline called him on Wednesday, he declined to respond.  

It is believed that Mr Banks rents the land from an area farmer. 

It is believed that the victims consisted mainly of ‘beaters’, who were assigned to flush out birds for their shot.

After yesterday’s shoot, eleven of the crew were riding on the trailer back to their farm.

When the bridge collapsed beneath it, the trailer pulled by a Polaris Ranger car fell in the river. 

Police vehicle with sirens blazing on their way to the scene of the incident in the rural area of Roeburndale

A police vehicle was accompanied by sirens as they drove to Roeburndale, where the incident occurred.

A stock picture of a Polaris Ranger. The vehicle was carrying a trailer when it fell into the river on Tuesday

A stock picture of a Polaris Ranger. When the trailer fell into river, it was being transported by the vehicle.

Fire and rescue crews at the scene of the incident on Tuesday night, where a man has died and several more have been seriously injured

The incident occurred on Tuesday night. A man was killed and many others were severely injured by fire crews.

A large presence of emergency services at the scene following the incident at around 4.25pm

Following the incident around 4.25pm, an overwhelming number of emergency workers were on-site

A farmer who was familiar with some of these people said, “They were out shooting pheasants yesterday afternoon and they were returning to the farm.”

They were all 11 and had most likely been beaters.

“As they cross the bridge, the structure has collapsed under them and the trailer is now in their river. It’s about 10-15 feet.

“A good friend is currently in the hospital for head injuries. Others who were in the trailer also escaped from injury with lesser severity.

‘The shoot is £900-a-head and people come from all over the country.

“It is very sad. It’s not clear why the bridge fell.”

Anybody with information can call 101 and quote log 0953 from January 18 to police.