Police arrest third man over death of skydiver

Humberside police made their third arrest yesterday in connection with the death of the skydiver Stephen Hilder.

The 24-year-old Leeds man was taken to Scunthorpe on suspicion of murder and a separate offence of criminal damage. Mr Hilder, 20, plunged 13,000ft to his death over Hibaldstow airfield, North Lincolnshire, on 4 July, after his main and reserve parachutes were tampered with. Last month, two 19-year-old men were arrested by detectives investigating Mr Hilder's death. They were later released on bail pending further inquiries. Two weeks ago detectives said that they were speaking to members of Leeds University skydiving club who regularly used Hibaldstow airfield. They had already spoken to some club members, but said they needed to speak to them again and to trace others they had not yet spoken to. At the time, Detective Superintendent Colin Andrews, who is leading the inquiry, said: "Because Hibaldstow is the most local drop zone for the Leeds club, we are anxious to speak to all of the club members."

A police spokeswoman said that she could not confirm whether the arrested man was a member of the club.