A MAN awaiting trial for attempting to murder his wife with an axe has been found dead in his cell. Alan Ratcliffe, 53, who allegedly attacked his second wife at Shorefields Caravan Site in Middleton, was found hanging from the bars in his cell. Ratcliffe from Burnley Road, Blackburn, had appeared before Lancaster Magistrates charged with attempted murder and was awaiting trial at Preston Prison. He was discovered by prison staff who tried to resuscitate him. A Prison Service Spokesman said: "Staff and paramedics tried to revive him but we were unsuccessful. His body was taken to Preston Royal Infirmary."

The Middleton attack, which left Mrs Vivian Ratcliffe with horrific injuries to her head, neck and shoulders, took place on July 27 at the caravan park in Carr Lane. Ratcliffe was committed for trial at the crown court on September 3 and an inquest on Tuesday heard that the former care assistant was found dead in his cell on Sunday morning.

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