A Norfolk crane company has vowed to fight charges it faces following the deaths of three men in a crane collapse.

Falcon Tower Crane Services has said it would "vigorously" contest charges over the deaths of Rhys Barker, 18, David Newall, 36, and David Webb, 43, following a fatal accident at a construction site in Dunwoody Way in Crewe on June 21, 2017.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said the company had been charged with two breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, following a “long and complex” investigation.

Dereham Times: Falcon Tower Crane Services Limited have vowed to vigorously contest the charge it faces ahead of appearing in court later this week Falcon Tower Crane Services Limited have vowed to vigorously contest the charge it faces ahead of appearing in court later this week (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2007)

A spokesman for Falcon, which is based in Shipdham, near Dereham, said: “Falcon Tower Cranes Services is a safety-conscious and well-run company. It has a culture driven by safety.

"Its directors and management put safety at the heart of all its operations.

“The company, its management and staff have been deeply affected by it and the company has done all it can to provide support to the families of those who have suffered, and our thoughts remain with them.

“The company has throughout this long investigation co-operate fully with all authorities and has been determined to understand fully the causes of this tragic accident.

“We are disappointed now that the HSE has chosen to prosecute the company for what it considered to be a health and safety breach arising out of this incident. 

"The company takes this matter very seriously and will be vigorously contesting the charge it faces.”

Mr Barker was from Castleford, Mr Newall was from Bradford and Mr Webb was from Northampton.

The crane collapse happened at a new-build construction site, and although the crane fell onto a house, its occupants were not injured.

Falcon's representatives are due to appear at Chester Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on Friday.