Pair in court over depot deaths

Two fire service staff were killed in the explosion in December 2006

A firework factory owner and his son charged with manslaughter over the deaths of two firefighters have had their case committed to crown court.

Martin Winter, 50, and Nathan Winter, 23, of Shortgate, near Lewes, confirmed their names, dates of births and addresses at Lewes Magistrates' Court.

They were bailed to appear at Lewes Crown Court on 25 June.

Geoffrey Wicker, 49, and Brian Wembridge, 63, died tackling a blaze at a firework depot in Sussex in 2006.

Twelve other people were injured in the explosions and blaze, at Festival Fireworks, near Ringmer, including nine firefighters and a police officer.

The company, now known as Alpha Fireworks Ltd, has been summonsed for breaches of the manufacture and storage of Explosive Regulations 2005.

Mr Wicker, a retained firefighter, and Mr Wembridge, a fire service cameraman, were both long-serving members of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

They received full brigade honours at their funeral services.