THE FAMILY of a man who is seriously ill in hospital after apparently taking a fatal batch of insulin are keeping a bedside vigil.

The man and a friend were both taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital after taking the drug, which is believed to aid bodybuilding, and has been circulating on the black market in gyms across East Lancashire.

Police are investigating the death of 44-year-old Shane Raeburn, of Barnes Street, Clayton-le-Moors, as part of the same probe into the illegal sale of insulin.

The man in hospital, who police describe as being "very seriously ill" is in his late 30s and from Clayton-le-Moors.

His family has since been told he has suffered brain damage.

The third man was released from hospital after receiving treatment.

The drug is used to treat diabetes but police said neither Mr Raeburn or his two friends had the condition.

Officers have arrested and released three people on bail - a 40-year-old woman and a man, 30, both from Clayton-le-Moors, and a 19-year-old man from Accrington - pending further inquiries in connection with the supply of the drug.

Police began probing the death of Mr Raeburn, a Burnley FC fan, after a post-mortem examination proved inconclusive and his two friends were taken ill after taking the drug.

Further tests are being carried out on the Burnley FC fan in a bid to establish why he died and whether he too had taken the drug.

Police were due to interview associates of the three friends in a bid to find out more after the case was referred to them by Blackburn coroner Michael Singleton.

A police spokesman said: "The man is still seriously ill in hospital.

"We continue to appeal for anybody with any information to get in contact while our investigations continue."

Mr Raeburn died in the early hours of November 28.

Officers said they were unsure of the origin of the ampuoles, which are used to hold liquid insulin, but that they were investigating how it had come to be on sale illegally.

Insulin is usually given to diabetics to control their blood sugar levels.

But internet sites detail how bodybuilders have started using insulin because they feel it can provide further muscle gains.

This is said to work by helping to regulate glucose levels and bring nutrients to muscles.

People with any information about the drugs are being asked to call Blackburn police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.