A FATHER and son charged in relation to the deaths of 21 cockle pickers in Morecambe Bay have appeared at Preston Crown Court.

David Eden, 61, of Thingwall Road, Irby, and his 33-year-old son, also called David, of Woodchurch Road, Prenton, Birkenhead, appeared on Tuesday (August 3).

They were bailed until December 3.

Three other people from Liverpool also face charges over the drownings.

They are Lin Laing Ren, of Lemon Street, charged with 21 counts of manslaughter and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice Zhao Qing Xiao, also of Lemon Street, is charged with conspiracy to commit facilitation and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Lin Mu Yong, 29, of Jason Street, is charged with conspiracy to commit facilitation.