A MAN died yesterday after he suffered head injuries falling from a bridge in Colne.

The incident occurred around 12.30pm on the viaduct at Knotts Lane and is not being treated as suspicious.

The man was believed to be in his 40s and police are investigating whether the man may have jumped.

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A road closure was put in place between Knotts Drive and Albert Road for several hours.

A police spokesman said: “We were called out to reports a male, believed to be in his 40s, had jumped or fallen from the viaduct at Knotts Lane in Colne.

“The man has died and his death is being treated as non-suspicious.”

Police and ambulance services attended including a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance helicopter and a road ambulance.

The fall took place just yards away from the Premier store and Hawley Street car park, near a busy route leading to Burnley Road.

A large crowd gathered near to the incident but no witnesses have yet come forward.

It comes after labourer Ronald Driver, aged 63, was found dead in Knotts Lane after falling from the same viaduct three years ago.

Cllr Dorothy Lord, who represents Waterside ward on Pendle Council, said she was deeply saddened to hear of the man’s death.

She said: “It’s dreadful. It’s a very high viaduct and if you do fall from it there is very little chance you would live.

“Unfortunately there’s not a lot we can do to make the bridge any safer, thankfully these incidents are rare but it’s very sad indeed.

“I really feel for the family of this man and my thoughts are with them at this time.”

Colne councillor Joe Cooney said he was surprised to hear the news as the viaduct is not easily accessible.

He said: “This is a terrible incident for both the man and his family. It’s very difficult to put in place any further safety measures on this viaduct, though. The viaduct is not easily accessible, you do have to walk down the railway bridge.”