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Wednesday, 13 February 2008, 12:30 GMT

Two held over depot blast deaths

Aerial view of the scene 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 (left) and Geoff Wicker

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.



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Related to this story:
Fireworks death blast remembered (03 Dec 07 |  Sussex )
Honours after depot blast deaths (11 Mar 07 |  Sussex )
Depot blast 'cost more than £3m' (08 Feb 07 |  Sussex )
Fireworks depot blaze kills two (03 Dec 06 |  Southern Counties )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
Sussex Police
Health & Safety Executive
Lewes District Council
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