A MURDER inquiry has been launched after a man collapsed and died at his home.

Thomas Mercer, 56, was taken ill shortly after returning from his local pub.

His family said he had been playing bingo with his partner, Margaret Quinn, 66, in the Bob Inn in Duckworth Street, Darwen when he was involved in an altercation.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Lancashire Telegraph:

Mr Mercer's stepdaughter Linda McDonald said a group of people, including a member of staff, stepped in and in the process he is thought to have suffered a head injury.

After returning to his home in Birch Hall Avenue, Mr Mercer, known to his family as Tam, was upstairs speaking to his stepson when he collapsed.

Ms McDonald, 45, a staff nurse, said: "My mum went home, and then Tam came home later in his own taxi.

"He was talking to my brother, John, and he collapsed.

"He thought he was going to sit down, but he collapsed and then died."

Mr Mercer was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital, where he died in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Yesterday police arrested a 48-year-old man from Darwen on suspicion of murder and he was released on bail until February 2015.

Officers said they were making enquiries to clarify how Mr Mercer sustained his injuries.

Mr Mercer had been with his partner Margaret for 20 years, and was stepfather to her eight children.

Lancashire Telegraph:

He was also a grandfather-figure to the her sixteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Margaret said: "Tam was a much loved partner, a respected and loved father figure to my children as well as an adored grandfather to their grandchildren.

"The family are in sudden shock with their loss.

"I would like to say a big thank you for the lovely words and messages of support that have been received from friends and family and the owners of our local pub.

"Funeral service arrangements have not been made as of yet, but everyone is welcome and once arrangements are confirmed, a notice will be made in the newspaper for all. "

Ms McDonald said: "He was a really nice guy. If you wanted something done he'd do it.

"He brought my brother up, and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren absolutely adored him.

"He was a nice man, he will be missed."

Sudell councillor Paul Browne said: “I am shocked, but also sorry to hear this has happened to this man.

“Nobody wants to hear about things like this when people have been out having a few drinks and it ends like this."

Sunnyhurst councillor Dave Smith added: "It is shocking to hear of things like this happening.

"My sympathies go to the family of Mr Mercer."

Staff at the Bob Inn declined to comment when approached by the Lancashire Telegraph yesterday.