A YOUNG Scots Guard from East Lancashire has been found dead near Buckingham Palace.

Five guardsmen were beiung quizzed today following the death of Martin Rimmer, 22, of Clitheroe.

He was found slumped in a corridor at Wellington Barracks in Birdcage Walk early yesterday.

Sources said it appeared he had been drinking with fellow guardsmen before his death.

The death is being treated as suspicious. Results of a post mortem have proved inconclusive. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said Mr Rimmer had been in the Army for two years.

"Until the cause of death is established we can say very little," the spokesman said.

"Five guardsmen were arrested and are helping police with inquiries."

A source said: "It appears that this was a drink-related incident and toxicology tests are being carried out."

The guardsmen were being questioned at separate police stations across central London.

Police said that all sudden deaths were treated as suspicious. Mr Rimmer's family had been notified of the tragedy.