POLICE launched a murder-style investigation after the body of a 38-year-old man was found in a Darwen flat.

The dead man, Darren Shaw, was discovered around noon yesterday in the bathroom of his home in Holden Fold by a female friend.

Police were called and sealed off the area while they carried out an investigation and a senior investigating officer was called to the house.

Forensic experts examined the scene and took away the uniforms and shoes of ambulance staff who had arrived at the flat earlier in an attempt to revive him.

An ambulance spokesman said it appeared the man, who was in his underwear, had been dead "for some time."

It is understood Mr Shaw, father of a nine-year-old son, has relatives in Blackpool.

Shocked residents and pupils from nearby Moorland High School gathered to watch in the street oputside the flat.

A Home Office pathologist was called in and police said his post mortem examination revealed the man, who is believed to have a son living in Scotland, had drowned in bath water.

Inspector Stuart Coates of Darwen police said: "A female friend found the man slumped face down in a bath filled with water. The death is not being treated as suspicious."

The coroner has been informed and an inquest is due to be opened.

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