Two pubs near Burnley face licence reviews after a police investigation found they both sold alcohol to a 16-year-old boy who died the same night in a farm quad bike crash

On March 30, Hector Eccles died after crashing his farm vehicle in Worsthorne, while a second boy, 17, the passenger, was injured.

He was driving a Polaris Ranger Farmbike in Extwistle Road at around 12.40am when it was involved in a one-vehicle crash, ending up in a field.

The narrow, dry-stone wall-lined country road where the crash occurred lies on the 3.7-mile route between the two pubs Roggerham Gate and The Ram Inn.

A recent investigation by Lancashire Constabulary found that Hector and another person under the age of 18 had been sold alcohol on the night of Hector's death at the pubs.

A public notice has been posted which states police have applied for a review of the licence at Roggerham Gate pub, in Todmorden Road, near Briercliffe.

The notice states a police investigation found the pub served the boys alcohol in the hours preceding the fatal crash, and also breached other licensing rules around its closing time and use of its car park.

The notice reads: "It is the view of Lancashire Constabulary that the licensing objectives relating to the protection of children from harm, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance are not being observed at Roggerham Gate."

A similar notice has been posted concerning The Ram Inn, in Burnley Road, Cliviger. 

That notice states the pub served Hector and two other minors alcohol the night of the crash.

The Ram Inn and Roggerham Gate pubs (Image: Google)

The notice for The Ram Inn adds: "It is the view of the Lancashire Constabulary that the licensing objectives relating to the protection of children from harm and public safety are not being observed at The Ram Inn.

"Further visits at the premises raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of age-related checks, documentation relating to any such checks and refusals, and the failure to be able to identify staff members responsible for underage sales."

If members of the public wish to make comment on the licensing reviews, they have until July 24 to do so.

A convoy of tractors and crowds paid their final respects to the ‘beautiful, kind and lovely boy’ in Hector's funeral in April.

(Image: NQ)

His funeral procession began off Red Lees Road, where a line of tractors followed his coffin as it made its way into the village.

The coffin itself was carried on the lead tractor with the procession also including a further 50 trucks and farm vehicles.

In their tribute, following Hector’s death, his family said: “We would like to thank everyone for the kind words and sympathy.

“This is our Hector on his farm with his animals, where he loved to spend his time.

“Always happiest: on the farm, at Gisburn Auction, or with his friends and colleagues in Pendle Young Farmers.

“Hector will always be in our hearts and minds, we will always remember our beautiful, kind and lovely boy.”

A council officer confirmed two review applications for the Roggerham Gate and the Ram Inn have been received from Lancashire Constabulary. These reviews will follow the prescribed statutory process. 

Councillor Jack Launer (Cliviger with Worsthorne) said: "As a ward councillor I would like to pass on my deepest sympathy to all the family and friends of this young man.

"I have teenage sons myself and just writing this is upsetting."

Lancashire Constabulary, The Ram Inn and Roggerham Gate have all been contacted for comment.