A BANNED driver who told a court four members of his family had died in a car crash has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

Police said they had "reason to believe" that the crash had not taken place after information about Sean Wilson, 21, was given to them by the Lancashire Telegraph, prompting an invest-igation.

They have now thanked the newspaper for bringing the matter to their attention.

Last week Burnley magistrates were told that Wilson, of Angela Street, Blackburn, had lost his partner, two children and sister in a crash on October 8.

Wilson, who was caught driving while banned in Haslingden, had been facing prison.

But he was given an 18-month community order with supervision, 200 hours' unpaid work and six points on his licence.

The bench told the defendant that they were fully aware of his circumstances and had taken it into account.

DC Dave Hindle, of Burnley CID, said: "A 21-year-old male has been arrested in Blackburn on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

"He has been interviewed by officers and now placed on bail to return to Burnley Police Station in January next year so further statements can be obtained and a consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service will take place."

DC Hindle added: "This man was arrested as a direct result of information that had been passed to us by the Lancashire Telegraph.

"I would personally like to thank the newspaper in assisting us with our inquiries."

The court was told that daughters Stacey, two, and Lucy, one, Wilson's partner Christine, 21, and his sister Stevie, 13, had all died in a crash in the Lake District.

Wilson admitted driving while disqualified, using an uninsured vehicle with no MOT, but said he forgot to go to court because of the tragedy.