AN investigation was launched today into the death of a 36-year-old man who became trapped in machinery at a Colne mill.

The father has not yet been named by police investigating the incident but is believed to be from Colne.

Police said it was thought he was either cleaning or repairing industrial machinery when he became trapped in rollers at Janesville Products, Spring Gardens Mill, Spring Gardens Road, at 4.50pm yesterday.

Emergency services were immediately called to the scene and took ten minutes to free the victim.

Paramedics from Nelson then transfered him to Burnley General Hospital where he died an hour later.

Two fire appliances from Colne also attended but the man had already been released from the equipment when crews arrived. Police scenes of crime officers were called at the time of the accident and have completed their report.

A spokesman from the Health and Safety Executive today confirmed they are investigating the incident.

Police said a relative had still to be traced and no name would be released until all members of his family had been informed.

Janesville has been based in Colne's South Valley for 36 years.

The factory manufactures felt products which are used for insulating car interiors. It employs 50 people full time.

General manager Martin Spiers was unavailable today for comment on the incident today at the factory.