A man who was found dead in the Leeds-Liverpool canal in Rishton has been named.

Unemployed textile worker Brian Prescott, of Sands Court, Rishton, was found in the canal near to Harwood Road after police were alerted by a member of the public at around 6.45am on Tuesday, August 18.

Officers, police diving teams and the fire and rescue service were called to the scene and the body of the 52-year-old was recovered from the water.

A file was passed to the coroner at Blackburn Coroner’s Court and an inquest into his death was opened on Thursday, August 27.

The medical cause of death was withheld, pending toxicology investigations.

Michael Singleton, senior coroner for the Hyndburn area, adjourned the inquest to be heard on Thursday, November 12.

A neighbour, on Sands Court, said his family was ‘absolutely shocked’ when they found out about Mr Prescott’s death.

He said: “On behalf of the O’Brien family we want to say he was a good friend and will be sadly missed.

“We were absolutely shocked when it happened. It’s very sad and sad to hear.”

Ward councillor Ken Moss said it was ‘very sad’ news.

He said: “From what people say it seems like he was a very private person who kept himself to himself.

“It’s obviously very sad what has happened.”

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said Mr Prescott’s death is being treated as non-suspicious.

Anyone with information call police on 101.