AN investigation has been launched after a man found collapsed in a Nelson street was later taken to hospital while in police custody.

The man, who police are not naming, was discovered by officers in Albert Street, near the junction with Manchester Road around 2am on Sunday.

He was taken to Burnley police station because police believed he was drunk and may fall and injure himself.

But at 10am the same day his condition deteriorated and he was rushed to Burnley General Hospital.

The incident has now been passed to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) which has launched an investigation.

Today his family were keeping a bedside vigil at the hospital where his condition today was described as "poorly".

Police believe the man, who is in his 40s, had left the nearby Good Night Club, Stanley Street, around 1am.

A police spokeswoman said detectives were appealing for anyone with information about the man's whereabouts or the incident to contact the police.

She said: "At about 2am on March 13, a man was detained for his own protection in Albert Street, Nelson.

"He was taken to Burnley police station where his condition was closely monitored.

"However, at about 10am that day, further concerns were raised for his welfare and he was taken to Burnley General Hospital.

"His condition is described as 'poorly'. His family are with him."

The IPCC has powers to supervise, run and where necessary, conduct investigations into complaints against the police.

An IPCC spokesman said the matter was referred to it as a matter of course because the man had been in police custody when he was admitted to hospital.

She said: "The investigation will be conducted by officers from the Lancashire force and our focus will be on the care he received during his time in police custody."

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Nelson CID on 01282 472644.