EARNSDALE Reservoir remains closed to the public while investigations continue into the death of a 77-year-old man.

The body was pulled from the water, near Sunnyhurst Wood, Darwen, on April 26, after being seen by an angler.

Police said the victim had been reported missing from home in Darwen earlier that day and were not treating his death as suspicious.

United Utilities, which owns the reservoir and surrounding land, said it was standard procedure to close reservoirs while a health and safety investigation was carried out.

A spokesman for United Utilities said: “The incident has been brought to our attention, and we now need to make our own inquiries and liaise with local police.

“Until then we’re not permitting any further fishing or other public access in or around the reservoir.”

Results from a post-mortem examination have not been announced, and a file is being prepared for the coroner by police.