A PRESTON man has been found dead on a Russian ship which was docked in a Lancashire port.

Walter Thurogood, 52, who lived in the New Hall Lane area of Preston, is believed to have fallen over a cabin step and hit his head on a wall while aboard the ship, at Glasson Dock.

Lancaster Police were called to the boat, the MV Baltiskiy 201, at around 2.45am on Wednesday.

Paramedics had already arrived at the scene, and discovered Mr Thurogood's body. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A spokesman for Lancaster Ambulance said the only visible injury was a minor wound to his face.

It is not yet clear why Mr Thurogood was on board the ship at that time in the morning.

Locals say he had befriended the ship staff when the vessel arrived in port.

Police have confirmed that members of Mr Thurogood's family were on board the ship at the time.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "Three officers from Lancaster police station were called out after a sudden death was reported on the boat.

"When they arrived, they were greeted by his brother-in-law, who confirmed what had happened. When we asked whether we would be able to release the name of the deceased, we were told most of family were on board.

"We are not yet sure why Mr Thurogood was on the vessel. It may have been that he was a crew member."

The spokesman said they did not believe the death was suspicious. Lancaster's coroner has been informed.

The Shipping Agency has also been informed of the tragedy and will be looking into the health and safety aspects of the death.

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