A LORRY driver questioned on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after three members of a family were killed in a head-on crash has been bailed, police said last night.

The 42-year-old man was arrested by Durham Police following the collision in Seaton Lane, between Houghton-le- Spring and Seaham, on Wednesday.

Robert Reed, 75, was driving a people carrier with wife, Margaret, 74, in the front and Natalie Simpson, 18, and her 14-month-old daughter, Destiny Reed, in the back.

Mrs Reed remains in a critical but stable condition in The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, police said.

Her husband, Miss Simpson, who was their grandson’s partner, and Destiny, their great-granddaughter, died at the scene of the crash, near Sharpley Golf Club.

A spokesman for Durham Police said: ‘’The 42-year-old lorry driver who was arrested after his vehicle was involved in a collision with a car earlier this week, in which three people died, has been released on police bail until June 14, pending further inquiries.’’ The Reeds’ Renault Megane Scenic was crushed in the collision, which saw the lorry smash through a hedge and end up 250 yards away on the golf course.

Meanwhile, bereaved relatives released a statement yesterday which said: “The families of Robert Reed, Natalie Simpson and Destiny Reed are devastated by what has happened.

“No words can describe how we are struggling to come to terms with our enormous loss. To lose three members of an extended family in one day, including a beautiful baby girl and her young mother who had their whole lives ahead of them, is almost unthinkable.

“We’d like to thank the people from the emergency services for their efforts at the scene, and also the staff at James Cook Hospital as they continue to care for Margaret.”

It has also been revealed that Newcastle College hairdressing student Natalie, who hails from Prudhoe, had helped rescue a young man in distress in the Tyne in Low Prudhoe in 2008.

Northumbria Police awarded Natalie and two friends Certificates of Recognition for the part they played in saving Michael Nixon, then 18.

Natalie’s former headteacher, Dr Iain Shaw, of Prudhoe Community High School, said she would be remembered as a caring and thoughtful young lady.

Dr Shaw said: “She embraced motherhood with enthusiasm and maturity.”