91�ȱ�

New signage has been installed on the approach to a ford where three men drowned after their vehicle became stuck in a swollen river.

Kenneth Patrick Hibbins, Leslie Forbes and Scott Thomas Daddy died in the incident on the River Esk in Glaisdale on 28 December.

They had attempted to cross the ford near Rake Lane but the force of the water pushed their Land Rover into the waterway, which had been swelled by recent rains.

North Yorkshire Council said the deaths had prompted a "thorough investigation" to identify potential safety improvements.

Keane Duncan, executive member for highways and transport, said a council team had visited the area after the incident.

"Additional signage has been installed on the approach to the ford," he confirmed.

"We also plan to install another gauge to further highlight river depth."

An inquest, held last Thursday in Northallerton, heard marker boards indicated the River Esk was about 4ft (1.2m) deep on the day of the incident.

Despite a victim's son jumping in the water in an attempt to free them from the 4x4, the men were trapped inside and drowned.

It took more than two hours for emergency services to pull the Land Rover to the river bank and the bodies of Mr Daddy, 28, from Hull; Mr Forbes, 70, from North Newbald; and Mr Hibbins, 59, from York, were found inside.

Coroner Jonathan Leach recorded the cause of death as misadventure - a deliberate act that went wrong.

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