POLICE were searching a disused reservoir and surrounding moorland in Darwen for a body today.

Officers launched the investigation after noticing suspicious activity close to a storm drain near the reservoir yesterday and went to the scene with special equipment.

Before beginning the search late yesterday, the drain, which is apparently connected to a series of tunnels, had to be tested for gas.

A spokesman for Blackburn police said: "Officers had to angle-grind a number of bars off the drain before going in, so it was unlikely there was a body in there.

"It is a very deep shaft, so extra abseiling equipment had to be used to keep the team safe, and the water was flowing very fast."

The area was searched and sealed off overnight after the diving teams were forced to abandon the search in the darkness.

They were due to start again at first light today.

Det Chief Insp Steve Hartley said: "We are searching an area of moorland around the old reservoir today after suggestions there maybe a body up there."