Last updated 12:54, Friday, 03 October 2008

Dozens of tributes have been left at the scene of a car crash which claimed the lives of two west Cumbrian men.

• Photos: pictures of the men and crash scene

The cars involvd in the fatal accident: the Nissan Primera (left) and Peugeot

Ian Cass, 26, from Newtown, Frizington, and Nathan Steele, 36, of Cringlethwaite Terrace, Egremont, were killed on Wednesday after their cars collided on a road a mile east of the Lillyhall roundabout.

Flowers, messages and sympathy cards have been attached to trees where the crash happened on the narrow winding road, which links Branthwaite and the Lillyhall Industrial Estate.

One message begins: “Such a waste of such a young life.”

Another says: “It’s hard to understand why people are taken from us but find comfort knowing you were a special part of my life.”

Another card said: “Memories of love and friendship are treasured to carry with you always. Miss you bud.”

And another tribute said: “My angels walk with you today and always. We are all going to miss you lots and lots.”

Another added: “We all love you Big Red. We will never forget you.”

Grieving relatives have also paid tribute to the two men.

Mr Steele’s parents, Erica and Ian, said Nathan had been a wonderful son who was also their best friend. He was devoted to his family.

Mr Cass’s father, John, said Ian was a lively character and a hard worker who always stood by his mum.

The tragedy happened at 5.24pm on Wednesday.

A third man, a 21-year-old passenger in the Peugeot Mr Cass was driving, suffered serious injuries and is in a stable condition at the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle.

Yesterday police issued an urgent appeal for witnesses, saying they particularly want to trace the drivers of a blue car and a 4x4 which were seen near the scene at the time of the accident.

Mr Cass, who died at the accident scene, was driving a red Peugeot 306 and Mr Steele a grey Nissan Primera.

Two teams of firefighters from Workington were called out to the accident scene and had to use hydraulic equipment to release the three people from the cars.

Mr Steele was taken to Whitehaven’s West Cumberland Hospital, and the Peugeot passenger was flown by air ambulance to the Cumberland Infirmary.

The road was closed for four hours.

Anyone who can help police with their inquiries should call them on 0845 3300247.

• Leave your tributes here for Nathan Steele

• Leave your tributes here for Ian Cass