THE son of a former Blackburn man found hanged in his single cell at Preston Prison has called for a full inquiry into why he was on his own.

Accrington-born Alan Ratcliffe, 53, who has worked for Walkersteel and Calderstones, had been described as a danger to himself when he was put on remand for the attempted murder of his second wife Vivien.

Son Alan, 28, of Burnley Road, Blackburn, said his father was a high suicide risk and should not have been moved to a single cell.

But Richard Crouch, Preston Prison governor, said Mr Ratcliffe had requested the move and settled well. He added that his death came as a great surprise.

Mr Ratcliffe and wife Vivien moved from Blackburn to a caravan in Middleton, near Heysham, several months ago.

He was charged with her attempted murder in July after she was attacked with an axe and a craft knife.

At his last court appearance, on September 3, he was remanded in custody to await trial at Preston Crown Court.

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