ARREST FOR ARTIST IN INFLATABLE TRAGEDY.

Byline: By Neil McKay

AN artist was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter yesterday after the death of two women at a North-East park.

Maurice Agis created the inflatable Dreamspace installation which broke free from its mooring in Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, in July.

Two people died and more than a dozen were injured when the artwork - half the size of a football pitch - was blown over 60 feet into the air with scores of people inside.

The 74-year-old abstract artist from East London was arrested after a pre-arranged appointment with detectives from Durham at Charing Cross police station, London.

The investigation involves Durham Police and the Health and Safety Executive and police say it is likely to be next summer before a file can be sent to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Mr Agis, who was bailed pending further inquires, was not available for comment last night.

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ARREST: Maurice Agis, 74.