A MAN has died after being found lying unconscious on a main road in Blackburn yesterday morning.

Officers were called to Livesey Branch Road (A6062) at 8.15am and the road was closed both ways, from Green Lane to the Brown Cow roundabout.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “We were called at around 8:15am to the report that a man had been found unconscious on the ground on Livesey Branch Road in Blackburn.

“He was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital but was sadly pronounced dead a short time later. Whilst enquiries are on-going, his death is not thought to be suspicious.

“Officers are trying to trace the man’s next of kin.”

It is believed that the man was running and had a medical episode.

Carley Lord, who lives on Livesey Branch Road, spotted the police cars and the road closure.

She said: “It is sad to hear of the outcome of the incident that took place on the road.

“My thoughts are with gentleman’s family and friends.

“It appeared that a serious incident has taken place. The police were on scene for nearly three hours.”

The road reopened at about 11.45am.

Cllr Damian Talbot, who represents the Mill Hill and Moorgate ward on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “It is tragic that this has happened and my sympathies go to the family of the man.

“As far as I’m aware no-one else was involved so the post mortem will inform as to the cause of death.”

Cllr Jim Smith, who represents the same ward, added: “My thoughts go out to the family and friends of this person.

“It is so sad to hear about the man dying as lots of people go out early in the morning for exercise.

“It was such a beautiful day so why would you not go out and have a jog.

“It was very early in the morning so you would just hope that they were not left on the ground for a long time before they were found or were helped.

“I heard that the road was closed for a while but the police will do that in this situation.

“The police and emergency services are excellent in dealing with this and we are lucky to have them.”

Cllr Julie Gunn added: “It is really sad for the man and his family especially when they were found on the ground and trying to keep fit and healthy

“It is always sad to hear about someone losing their life but it has been even harder with lockdown.”

Motorists were diverted off Livesey Branch Road and onto Gib Lane and the road re-opened at 11.45am.