POLICE have launched an investigation after a blood stained coat was found hidden in rubbish bins at the back of a hotel in Samlesbury.

The blue and white coat was found at 8am behind The Tickled Trout Hotel, in Preston New Road, yesterday.

The coat is an extra large Trespass jacket which police said was covered in a significant amount of fresh blood.

The man leading the investigation, Detective Inspector Chris Wilde, said: "There was a lot of blood on the coat across the shoulders which suggested the owner suffered a significant head injury."

Officers made a search of the area surrounding the hotel yesterday and a police helicopter was called out to join the hunt for clues.

Police said the coat had been deliberately concealed and they are sure the blood is human.

According to detectives, the bins at the hotel are emptied daily which means someone must have been there to leave the coat between Monday afternoon and yesterday morning.

Police made enquiries at nearby hospitals but said they had not been able to trace anyone who had needed hospital treatment for a wound that would have caused such blood loss.

Anyone with information should contact Leyland Police on 01772 415834.