A young lawyer who swapped his life in Accrington for a career in the Far East died while competing in a triathlon in Hong Kong.

Daniel Bagshaw, 27, collapsed near the finish line of the ITU Triathlon Asian Cup on Lantau near Hong Kong Disneyland.

It is not yet known what caused the athlete's death.

Daniel, from Garden Street, Accrington, moved to Asia last year to take up a position as a corporate lawyer with international law firm Linklaters.

The former Clitheroe Grammar School student is said to have collapsed on the second day of the triathlon after completing the swimming and cycling parts of the race.

Hundreds of competitors entered the annual event, which involved a 1.5-kilometre swim, a 40-kilometre bike ride and 10-kilometre run.

A spokesperson for Linklater's said staff at the firm were 'shocked and saddened' at the news.

"We can confirm that Daniel Bagshaw, an associate in our Hong Kong office, tragically passed away during the HK triathlon on October 14th.

"Dan was a highly talented individual who excelled at all he did, both in and outside the office, and had a terrific future ahead of him.

"He was a hugely popular member of our community at Linklaters and we are all shocked and saddened at his loss.

"Our thoughts and prayers go to Dan’s family and friends during this very difficult time."

The Hong Kong Triathlon Association confirmed that an adult competitor in the Age Group category, collapsed near the finish line.

They said: "First-aid personnel stationed by the finish line immediately attended to the stricken athlete. Ambulance services came very shortly thereafter and evacuated the person to the nearest hospital. We are very sad to inform that all efforts at resuscitation were not responsive.

The Association expresses its deepest and sincerest condolences to the deceased's family and friends, and will use our best endeavours to assist them.

"At this moment, our prayers and thoughts are with our comrade, the family and friends."