Tributes have been paid to a 73-year-old who tragically died in a bridge collapse.  Brian Harwood died when a Polaris Ranger vehicle pulling a trailer fell into a river as a wooden bridge, supported by scaffolding, collapsed.

The incident happened on a farm in the Moor Lane area of Roeburndale in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire.

In a statement his partner said: “Brian meant so much to me and the people around us. Everyone he knew enjoyed his company.

“We are devastated about what has taken place and fully support the investigation. I ask that people respect our privacy and allow us to grieve in private.”

​Police were called around 4.25pm on Tuesday after the incident.

Mr Harwood, of Penrith, Cumbria, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two other men aged in their 60s and 70s are in hospital with their injuries.

Emergency services including police, ambulance crews, fire crews and mountain rescue attended the scene. An investigation into the circumstances around the incident is continuing and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

Det Insp Kirsty Wyatt, of Lancashire Police, said: “Our thoughts remain with Mr Harwood’s loved ones and everyone affected by this tragic incident.

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

“Our enquiries are continuing with investigators expected to remain at the scene over the coming days.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to the members of the emergency services who supported the operation, in what were very difficult conditions, as well as the community of Roeburndale, for their support, while our enquiries continue.”