A BACUP man has died from a suspected drug overdose on the day he was released from prison.

Police believe John Waldren had been drinking alcohol and had also taken some pills, thought to be diazepam, after he left Haverigg Prison, in Cumbria, on Friday.

John returned to his house in Unsworth Street at lunchtime and fell asleep.

His sister, her boyfriend and a friend of John's were also in the house and at around 9.45pm they realised that he had stopped breathing.

They attempted to revive him while they waited for an ambulance, but by the time the paramedics arrived at the scene John was dead.

A post mortem examination, which will include toxicological tests on his blood, will be carried out later today and an inquest into his death is expected to be opened later this week.

Det Insp Stuart Barlow, of Rawtenstall CID, said: "John's sister and two friends, who were with him when he died, are very distressed. They loved him to bits and are devastated about what has happened."

John's mother, Patricia Wardle, who lives in Stockport, is also said to be extremely distressed and upset.

But police have been unable to contact his father, also called John, who they think may be away in France.

They believe his wife Nicola's mother lives in Haslingden and are appealing for help in tracing her to see if she knows his whereabouts so that they can get hold of him.

Det Insp Barlow said: "It is really important that we find John's father to let him know what has happened, but at the moment we do not know where he is.

"We would like to hear from anyone who knows him and his whereabouts, or who knows his wife Nicola's mum, who we believe lives in the Haslingden area."

Anyone who can help to trace John's dad is asked to contact Rawtenstall CID on 01706 237442.