A MAN arrested on suspicion of murdering a drinker in a Darwen pub has been told he will face no further action.

Thomas Edward Mercer, a 56-year-old stepfather-of-eight, died at Royal Blackburn Hospital on November 5, last year.

At the time, Lancashire police said he was involved in a “physical altercation” at The Bob Inn, in Duckworth Street.

Detectives investigating Mr Mercer’s death have now confirmed their enquiries have been concluded.

As a result, a 48-year-old man arrested at the scene, who was rebailed on April 17, no longer faces any action. He was never charged with any crime.

Mr Mercer, known to his family and friends as Tam, visited The Bob Inn on the evening of November 4, where he played bingo with his partner of 20 years, Margaret Quinn.

After the couple left the pub just before midnight, they returned to their Birch Hall Avenue home, where Mr Mercer later collapsed while talking to his stepson, Jason. He was pronounced dead a short time later in hospital.

A spokesman for Lancashire police said: “Officers have now concluded that no criminal offences took place and that Mr Mercer died as a result of a brain haemorrhage.

“A file has been passed to Her Majesty’s Coroner.

“A 48-year-old man from Darwen was arrested on suspicion of murder and was bailed but has now been released without charge.”

Last December, police issued an appeal for a taxi driver who took Mr Mercer home to come forward, but they were unable to trace the individual or firm involved.

Mr Mercer’s family described him as a “grandfather figure” to his partner’s 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

His stepdaughter, Linda McDonald, said: “Tam was a much-loved partner, a respected and loved father figure to my children as well as an adored grandfather to their grandchildren .”

An inquest into Mr Mercer’s death was previously opened and adjourned until a later date by Michael Singleton, senior coroner for Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley.