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Family pay tribute to man who died in Bamber Bridge crash

Posted on - 13th February, 2021 - 6:52am | Author - | Posted in - Bamber Bridge, Crime, Leyland, Preston News, South Ribble News, Walton-le-Dale
Ben Smith Pic: South Ribble Police
Ben Smith Pic: South Ribble Police

Tributes have been paid to a 20-year-old man who died after a collision in Bamber Bridge.

Ben Smith, from Walton-le-Dale, died after being hit by a Ford Transit van in Station Road on Thursday (11 February).

Mr Smith was riding an electronic scooter when he was hit by the van around 1pm. He died shortly after from his injuries.

In a statement released by his family they said: “Ben was a much loved son, brother, father, partner, grandson and friend to many.

“He has been taken from all of us in such tragic circumstances and we would urge anyone with any information to come forward to help the police.”

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The driver of the van, Samuel Bretherton, 25, of Mellor Road, Leyland, has been charged with murder.

He will appear before Preston Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (13 February).

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Zoe Russo from Lancashire’s Force Major Investigation Team said: “I would like to thank the public for their support and the witnesses that have already come forward to tell us about what they saw.

“I am asking anyone who saw what happened but hasn’t yet made contact to speak to us.

“We know that this shocking incident has caused some concern within the local community but as legal proceedings are now active and out of respect for Ben’s bereaved family and friends, I would ask people not to speculate on social media. If you know something, please speak to us instead.”

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A second man, arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in connection with a wing mirror being struck from the Transit van just prior to the collision, has now been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information about what happened is asked to contact police as soon as possible on 101 quoting log 0545 of February 11th.

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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