TWO men clashed in a ‘pool rage’ incident at Pendle Leisure Centre in full view of schoolchildren.

Phil Storey, chief executive of Pendle Leisure Trust, which operates the centre, confirmed an ‘incident’ had taken place on Monday afternoon.

He said the matter had now been passed to police for an investigation to be carried out.

Officers confirmed they were looking into claims that an assault had taken place in the water at the Crown Way centre, Colne.

It comes after an eyewitness said one of the men grabbed the other by the neck after the pair collided in the designated lane swimming area, at around 2.30pm.

The witness, who asked to remain anonymous, said the man appeared to throw the other swimmer over a rope separating the lanes from the rest of the pool.

He said: “He grabbed the other guy by the neck and started shouting ‘I’m going to kill you’ - it was unbelievable.

“There pool was full of schoolchildren and they were so horrified, they were screaming and had to get out.

“It was like something out of a horror movie. I still can’t believe it.”

But Mr Storey said: “I can confirm there was an incident between two male visitors.

“One of them got out of the pool and left the building and the other was advised if he wanted to press charges, to call the police.

“The schoolchildren did not leave the pool as a result of this incident, they left because their swimming lesson had finished.

“The matter is now in the hands of the police and an investigation is being carried out.”