Two held over depot blast deaths

Two fire service staff were killed in the explosion in December

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of the manslaughter of two firefighters who died tackling a fireworks factory explosion in East Sussex.

BBC South East has learned that factory owner Martin Winter, 50, and Nathan Winter, 23, were held after attending a custody centre voluntarily.

Sussex Police said they were released on bail until 23 April.

Brian Wembridge, 63, and Geoff Wicker, 49, died in the blast at Festival Fireworks UK Ltd, near Lewes, in 2006.

Twelve other people were injured, including nine firefighters and a police officer.

The cause of the fire and explosion at Marley Farm, in Shortgate, on 3 December 2006 is still under investigation.

Brian Wembridge and Geoff Wicker were both married fathers of two

Mr Wembridge and Mr Wicker were both long-serving members of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, and received full brigade honours at their funeral services in front of firefighters from across the UK.

Full inquests into their deaths have yet to be held as inquiries by Sussex Police and the Health and Safety Executive continue.

Plans to rebuild the fireworks depot were given the go-ahead by Lewes District Council last year.