A man who died when a 4x4 towing a trailer fell into a river after a wooden bridge collapsed under the weight of the vehicle has been named.

Eleven people on a shooting trip were in the small 4x4 and trailer when the crash happened at around 4.25pm on Tuesday (January 18), police have said, writes Ashley Pemberton of SWNS.

Brian Harwood, 73, died at the scene in Roeburndale after the wooden structure, supported by scaffolding and described as a temporary bridge, gave way.

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Mr Harwood's partner said on the following evening: "Brian meant so much to me and the people around us. Everyone he knew enjoyed his company. We are devastated."

South West Farmer: The trailer below the collapsed bridge. Picture: SWNSThe trailer below the collapsed bridge. Picture: SWNS

Shocking photographs of the crash site show the devastation at the scene with scaffold tubes mangled in the wreckage.

The wooden structure was described as a temporary bridge and crossed the River Roeburn in the Forest of Bowland area of outstanding natural beauty.

Police, fire, ambulance and mountain rescue crews sped to the scene near Barkin Gate Farm, but tragically Mr Harwood, of Penrith, Cumbria, was pronounced dead.

Two other men - one in his sixties, the other in his seventies - are being treated in hospital for their injuries.

South West Farmer: The collapsed bridge. Picture: SWNSThe collapsed bridge. Picture: SWNS

Detective Inspector Kirsty Wyatt of Lancashire Police said: “Our investigation into the bridge collapse is very much ongoing.

“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.”

The people in the vehicle and trailer were from a shooting party and travelling on private land, police have said .

The Health and Safety Executive said it was aware of the incident and is making enquiries alongside the police.