Detectives have launched an investigation after an East Lancashire man has died after taking  suspected ecstasy tablets.

The 45-year-old from Nelson died in the early hours of this morning.

Police are paramedics were called to the Fernbank area of the town, near Walverden Park, after the man was taken ill after consuming a number of tablets thought to be ecstasy.

He was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later.

Detectives are now urging anyone who is in possession of similar tablets to hand them in to prevent anyone else from falling ill or any potential further deaths

The tablets are described as a turquoise coloured shield shape.

A spokesman for Lancashire police said: "If you have taken illegal drugs or if you know someone who has become unwell after taking illegal drugs and require urgent medical care call 999 and ask for the ambulance service.

"We are also urging anybody in possession of similar tablets to hand them into us to prevent anyone else from falling ill or any potential further deaths."

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101.

For drugs information and advice visit the “Talk To Frank” website: http://www.talktofrank.com or call the National Drugs Helpline on 0800 77 66 00.