A MURDER inquiry has been launched following the death of a Burnley man found lying in a pool of blood in a back street.

Colin Hughes, 40, of Beverley Street, died of his injuries in Burnley General Hospital at around 5pm yesterday.

He was attacked in a back street off Coal Clough Lane early yesterday just yards from his terraced home.

Mr Hughes was on his way home from the Coal Clough pub with his girlfriend Jacqui, whom he lived with, and another man when the attack happened.

Mr Hughes, who worked at Padiham boiler makers Potterton Myson, suffered serious head injuries.

A post-mortem examination was carried out by a Home Office pathologist last night and East Lancashire coroner David Smith has been informed. Detective Inspector Simon Leach, of Burnley CID, said it was not apparent whether a weapon had been used in the attack.

The inquiry is being led by Detective Superintendent Graham Gooch. Teams of officers worked late into the night interviewing witnesses and conducting house-to-house inquiries in the area. Mr Hughes, who has three brothers and whose parents live locally, was a regular at the Coal Clough pub.

Landlord Les Harrison said: "He used to come in here with his brothers for a quiet pint. He was just a nice, quiet bloke who enjoyed having a drink with his friends.

"The pub has been really quiet since it happened. Everyone is just taking it in."

One of Mr Hughes' brothers, Alan, of Ulster Street, Burnley, declined to comment.

Shocked neighbours gathered in groups yesterday to talk about the incident. One said: "They were a lovely couple, really quiet. They've been here a few years.

"I heard something out in the back street and I thought it was some young lads having a bit of a fight. It was only when I saw a police car arrive that I realised something was wrong."

Two men arrested in connection with the incident were still being questioned by detectives today. A third man was released without charge. A further man was arrested later.

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