A DISTRAUGHT mother said today that if her 24-year-old son died from an overdose it was the first time he had taken drugs.

The family of Carlos Brankin were shattered by the sudden death of the popular young builder who was found collapsed at his home in Elder Court, Huncoat.

Rumours in the area have connected him with heroin abuse.

His mother, Mrs Glenda King, of Windermere Avenue, Huncoat, said: "Everyone is devastated. We can't believe it's happened.

"He was a brilliant lad and so well liked."

"If, for whatever reason, he has taken something, he could not have done it before for him to collapse.

"People whot knew him knew he wasn't like that."

Mr Brankin had worked full-time for the last four years for Huncoat builder Jim Cardwell.

Mrs King said: "He loved his job and never missed a day. He'd just been in the flat a year and was doing really well for himself."

Recently he had been working extra hours to save up for the christening of his nine-month-old son, Connor, who lives with baby's mother.

Mr Brankin was a former pupil at Huncoat County Primary School, and Moorhead and Hollins High Schools, Accrington.

As well as being keen on computers, Mrs King said her son was fishing mad going on fishing trips to Ireland twice a year with his employer's brother, Brian Cardwell. She plans to have his ashes scattered in the Southern Ireland he loved.

Mrs King lives with Mr Brankin's step-father, Michael. He also leaves brothers Scott Brankin, 22, and Jordan King, 12, and uncle Terry Love, who Mrs King said was like a best friend.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out and the family are waiting for the results of tests on blood and urine samples.

Mrs King said she did not know what had happened and is waiting for a full inquest in November.

A service was being held today at Accrington crematorium.

Sergeant Mark Rothwell, of Accrington police, said: "We are investigating in terms of gathering as much information as possible to present to the Coroner.

"At this stage there is no evidence to suggest any suspicious circumstances. We have traced the people who saw him during the day and evening we are taking statements."

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