AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a St Annes man died in police custody.

Colin Clough, 70, of Westby Road, St Annes suffered a heart attack as he was being detained by officers and a social worker on Thursday (February 27).

A Lancashire Police spokesman said that at around 12.30pm on Thursday officers and a social worker went to Westby Road to detain the man under the Mental Health Act.

She said: "During the arrest the man was taken ill and an ambulance was called to the address. However attempts to resuscitate the man failed and he died on arrival at Blackpool Victoria Hospital."

She confirmed that a full investigation into the circumstances is being carried out by Detective Superintendent Ian Jones from Lancashire Constabulary under the supervision of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA).

A post mortem examination, attended by PCA member Anne Boustred, was carried out on Thursday which showed heart attack as the cause of death.

According to Molly Meacher, PCA deputy chairman, the inquiry will "seek to find out exactly what happened" and a full report will be prepared for HM Coroner who will hold an inquest in public.

Lancashire Police appealed for witnesses in the area at the time to contact Blackpool Police on 293933.