Man bailed over sculpture deaths

Maurice Agis was arrested in London

An artist arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after two women fell to their deaths from an inflatable sculpture has been bailed.

Maurice Agis, 74, was arrested in London by Durham police officers.

Elizabeth Collings, 68, and Claire Furmedge, 38, died in the tragedy at the Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street, on 23 July. Several others were hurt.

Mr Agis created the 2,500 sq m Dreamspace artwork which was thrown 100ft into the air by a gust of wind.

Mr Agis was himself pulled into the air when the structure, which consisted of inflated rooms connected by tunnels, was torn from its moorings.

Thirteen people were hurt in the incident, including three-year-old Rosie Wright, who suffered multiple injuries. She has now recovered.

Det Supt Neil Malkin, of Durham Police, said: "Inquiries are continuing in this wide-ranging investigation.

"We are awaiting reports from the Health and Safety Executive's laboratory and it is likely to be summer next year before we are in a position to put a file before the Crown Prosecution Service."

Mr Agis was arrested after he attended Charing cross police station by appointment. A spokeswoman for Durham Police said he had been bailed pending further inquiries.