Last updated 10:22, Saturday, 11 October 2008

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after two men died in a crash near Workington.

Nathan Steele (left) and Ian Cass

Ian Cass, 26, of Newtown, Frizington, and Nathan Steele, 36, of Cringlethwaite Terrace, Egremont, were killed last Wednesday after a collision on the Branthwaite road, a mile east of the Lillyhall roundabout at Workington.

After the accident a man was arrested and has since been released without charge.

Since then another man – the 28-year-old – has been arrested and bailed on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Now police are appealing for witnesses who saw the red Peugeot 306, driven by Mr Cass, prior to the collision with Mr Steele’s grey Nissan Primera.

A 21-year-old man was also injured and was taken to Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle by the Pride of Cumbria air ambulance.

They also hope to speak to witnesses who pulled over on the Branthwaite side of the crash, especially a dark- haired woman who drove a black BMW, and the male driver of a blue Suzuki Swift, which had white stripes down its bonnet.

An investigating officer with Cumbria police said: “Witnesses might have seen something that was insignificant to them, but it could be very significant to us and it is crucial that they come forward.

“Every piece of the jigsaw helps to form the whole picture, both prior to the collision and during the collision.

“We want to investigate this and get the whole truth out for the families and for the coroner.”

Two teams of firefighters from Workington were called out to the crash scene and used hydraulic equipment to release the three people from the cars.

Mr Steele was taken to Whitehaven’s West Cumberland Hospital.

The road was closed for four hours following the crash at about 5.20pm.

Anyone who can help police with their inquiries should call 0845 33 00 247.