A MAN facing an attempted murder charge has died from a suspected drugs overdose at an East Lancashire hotel.

Simon Cotzec, 35, of Redruth Street, Burnley, collapsed at Stirk House Hotel, Gisburn, on Sunday night.

Police were alerted by paramedics who had been called to attend to Mr Cotzec, who is also believed to have an address in Nelson, after he collapsed at 5pm. They tried to revive Mr Cotzec, who is understood to have been at the hotel with a female friend, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. He was taken to Burnley General Hospital.

A spokesman for the hotel confirmed there had been a death on the premises, but directed further inquiries to Clitheroe police. A post mortem examination was conducted yesterday and Blackburn coroner Andre Rebello will be holding an inquest.

A police spokesman said: "I can confirm that Mr Cotzec had been charged with attempted murder."

"He died from a suspected drugs overdose and toxicology tests are being carried out on the body at Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

"A woman had been arrested at the scene and was detained overnight at Accrington police station but she had since been released without charge. There are no suspicious circumstances."

Police confirmed that Mr Cotzec was awaiting trial at the crown court.

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