THE family of a man who died following a bridge collapse on Tuesday in the Forest of Bowland have paid tribute to him.

Brian Harwood, 73, of Penrith, died after a Polaris Ranger vehicle pulling a trailer fell into a river when a wooden bridge, supported by scaffolding, collapsed.

The incident happened on a farm in the Moor Lane area of Roeburndale.

Eleven people were in the ranger vehicle and trailer at the time of the incident.

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 January 18 following a report of a serious incident on a farm.

They were assisted by air ambulance, the fire service as well as cave and mountain rescue volunteers.

Sadly Mr Harwood suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Formal identification has taken place and his next of kin are being supported by officers.

Two other men aged in their 60s and 70s are receiving treatment in hospital for their injuries. One suffered a serious head injury and was taken to Royal Preston Hospital and another suffered a serious back injury and was taken to Royal Lancaster Hospital.

Other members of the group either received minor injuries or were left badly shaken in the incident.

Emergency services including police, ambulance crews, fire crews and mountain rescue attended the scene and roads were closed.

Detectives are continuing their investigation following circumstances surrounding the fatal bridge collapse and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

Det Insp Kirsty Wyatt, of Lancashire Police, said: “Our investigation into Tuesday's 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.”