THERE will be no criminal charges following the death of a building site worker who was crushed when a trench collapsed.

Martin Leonard, aged 24, of Wheelton, died as he was working on Bryant Homes' Canonswood site, Euxton Lane, Euxton, earlier this month.

A police inquiry into the tragedy has now been completed.

Lancashire Police said: "The police and Crown Prosecution Service have considered the evidence and have concluded that the two people arrested at the time of the incident will not face criminal charges as a result of the police investigation.

"All the evidence has now been passed to the Health and Safety Executive at Preston which will continue their enquiries with regard to health and safety regulations."

They said Mr Leonard's family had been informed of the decision.

Mr Leonard was crushed to death by falling clay and soil as he worked in a 15 feet deep trench where he was laying pipelines.

A full-scale attempt to retrieve the body by fire crews and a police support unit was hampered due to fears the trench might collapse again, putting other lives at risk.

A specialist team of rescuers successfully found the body late the following afternoon after battling against torrential rain and the fear of mud slides.

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