THE Police Complaints Authority is heading an inquiry into the death of a 25-year-old man who was found hanged in a toilet at Rawtenstall police station.

David Hodgson, who lived in King Street, in the centre of Waterfoot, had been arrested at 2.30am on Monday for alleged drink-driving and a breach of bail conditions.

He was taken to Rawtenstall police station where he was found hanging in a toilet at 3pm.

Attempts by officers and paramedics at resuscitation failed and he was pronounced dead at Bury General Hospital.

Mr Hodgson was originally from the Manchester area and is thought to have only recently moved to Waterfoot.

His mother, who lives in Manchester, was told of the tragedy and yesterday she travelled to London to be with her daughter.

Lancashire police voluntarily referred the circumstances for a supervised inquiry.

The Police Complaints Authority has agreed to the appointment of Chief Inspector Neil Walsh of Lancashire Constabulary discipline and complaints department as the investigating officer.

PCA member Alan Potts said a post-mortem examination had been carried out.

He added: "I will make sure that all of the circumstances are thoroughly examined and a full report sent to HM Coroner for the inquest.''

The inquest is likely to be conducted by East Lancashire Coroner David Smith, sitting with a jury, at either Burnley or Rawtenstall.

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