Fans pay tribute to Viola Beach as police investigation continues

AS SWEDISH police investigations continue into the cause of the tragic car crash which claimed the lives of Warrington Indie rock band Viola Beach and their manager, fans have been leaving tributes at the town centre venue where they made their name.

Flowers, candles and other tributes are being placed on the steps outside The Lounge on Springfield Street, where the band played on numerous occasions, building up a strong local following.

Fans are also signing a book of condolence in Warrington town hall and at the Contact Centre on Horsemarket Street, while the town hall flag will be left flying at half mast for the rest of this week. Flowers have also been placed on the town hall gates.

All four members of the band had been students at Priestley College and were due to play a “home coming” gig at the Parr Hall on march 12.

A statement on behalf of Culture Warrington, who were helping organise the band’s performance at the Parr Hall said:
“We are deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news about the passing of Warrington’s Viola Beach and their manager, in a tragic road accident in Sweden.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and friends of the members of the band at this very sad time.”

Meanwhile an investigation is under way by Swedish police into the cause of the accident which killed Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe, Jack Dakin and manager Craig Tarry, when their car plunged more than 80 ft from a bridge into a canal near Stockholm.

Police in Sweden say they don’t know who was driving the car are investigating “hundreds of possibilities.”

They are looking at the car, at the circumstances and talking to witnesses.

The Nissan Qashqai hire car is being examined for possible technical faults.

The icy conditions and the operation of a barrier and its warning systems are also being investigated as possible causes.