DETECTIVES probing the death of a young father who fell through a roof at work have made four arrests.

Benjamin Edge was working at Fletcher Bank Quarry in Shuttleworth at 10.10am on December 10 when the horror fall took place.

The 25-year-old, from Greenmount, was taken to Salford Royal Hospital with severe head injuries, but doctors were unable to save him.

Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have now launched an investigation into the tragedy.

On Wednesday morning, officers arrested two Bury men, aged 23 and 30, on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

They also arrested a 32-year-old man from Burnley and a 35-year-old man from Ramsbottom on suspicion of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Mr Edge leaves his three year-old daughter, mum and dad, twin brother and partner, who called Ben "the most beautiful natured, kind and gentle person you could ever meet".

In a statement released yesterday, his family said: "Our lives will never be the same again.

"Ben was taken from us in tragic circumstances aged only 25, and our family and all of his friends are totally grief stricken by his loss.

"We miss him so very, very much.

"He was a loving, caring son, twin brother and family man.

"Ben was a much-loved partner and father and will always remain a huge part of everyone's lives "Ben was a very special person, kind and considerate.

"He had a beaming smile, a warm, friendly personality and his enthusiasm for life rubbed off on everyone he met.

"He brought laughter and joy into the hearts of those he knew.

"We are immensely proud of Ben, he was so talented."

The statement continued: "Ben was named an outstanding student by Myerscough College, near Preston, while gaining his national diploma in land-based mechanisation and his skills in driving and designing machinery were recognised wherever he worked.

"Ben was fortunate to have many friends and will be remembered by them for his love of life and the special friendship and bond they shared.

"Ben's friends have shown maturity, kindness and compassion beyond their years and our family will be forever grateful that they continue to be a part of our lives and share in so many memories of a son we simply adored.

"Our family, friends and the whole community have been left in a state of disbelief by the loss of Ben, who has left behind so many broken hearts.

"We are so grateful to Greater Manchester Police and all of our dear family and friends for their support during this incredibly difficult time."

Det Sgt Lawrence Dixon, of Bury Police, added: "The death of Ben has left his family and friends completely devastated.

"We are continuing to look into the circumstances that led up to Ben's death, so we can provide his family with the answers of exactly what happened on that day in December."

At the time of the fall, Mr Edge was working for SR and RJ Brown and was working on a site run by Marshalls Mono.

A spokesman for SR and RJ Brown Ltd, based in Walmersley, said the firm did not wish to comment.

A spokesman for Marshalls Mono said: "We have been made aware of the recent arrests in connection with the tragic death of Ben Edge last December at Fletcher Bank Quarry.

"We can confirm that the arrests are unconnected with any Marshalls' employees.

"Marshalls is continuing to do everything it can to support the work of the investigating authorities, and our thoughts and sincere condolences remain with Ben Edge's family, friends and colleagues at what continues to be a very difficult and sad time."

Bury Coroners Court held a pre-inquest review of the case on March 27 and a full inquest into the circumstances surrounding his death is due to take place in the next few months.