THE family of a man who died after being taken in to police custody have made an appeal for witnesses to his arrest to come forward.

Relatives of Nadeem Khan, of St Aidan's Avenue, Blackburn, made the appeal for witnesses in a bid to move forward the investigation.

Mr Khan, known as Dean to his friends, died in hospital on Saturday, June 30 after he was taken into police custody following what officers described as a violent struggle' after police arrested him in Brierfield.

Mr Khan, 28, grew up in Burnley and attended Towneley High School, but moved to Blackburn several years ago and became a property developer.

He had two daughters, Aleesha and Jasmine.

A meeting has been arranged for today, at the Jinnah Community Centre, Brougham Street, Burnley, to allow friends to raise concerns about the death of the father of two.

A representative from Farleys Solicitors, acting for the family, will attend.

Joanne Kearsley, associate partner at Farleys Solicitors in Burnley, said: "As yet no-one has come forward with information as to what happened to Dean.

"Dean's parents, sisters and I are asking anyone who may have been in Halifax Road, Brierfield, at around 8.50am to contact either the Independent Police Complaints Commission, or myself on 01282 718000.

"Dean's family are currently going through a very difficult time and speculation about what might have happened to him on the day he died will not help the situation.

"We need people who saw Dean on the day he died to come forward and give us real facts so that we can progress the case and speed up the release of his body to allow his family to hold his funeral."

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating the death and the outcome should be known at the beginning of September.