THE Mercury can today reveal a firefighter is facing a manslaughter probe over the death of a Sedgemoor farmer.

Harold Lee, of Robins Farm in Burtle, was crushed when his own herd of cows stampeded last August - his family claimed the animals were spooked by the wailing sirens and flashing lights of a fire engine heading to an emergency.

Mr Lee, 75, suffered serious head and chest injuries and died five days later in hospital.

Police launched an investigation following the incident and this week, following a six-month probe, officers confirmed a 49-year-old man from Somerset had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence.

He has been bailed until this Friday.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service refused to comment due to the ongoing investigation - but the Mercury understands the man arrested is a fireman.

After the tragedy, Mr Lee's son Andrew said the family believed the accident might have been avoided had the fire crew waited until the cows were safely herded off the road before proceeding.

This week, he told the Mercury: ”We have always said that this incident should not have happened. As a family we would like justice to help put this behind us as quickly as possible.

“Things are still pretty raw at the moment and it will be until we get some answers as to why he died.

“He was a family man and a community man - he lived for Burtle - that was his life and he loved it.

“Hopefully this can be a step forward to justice for him.”