A MAN has died and another is fighting for his life in hospital after being suspected of taking insulin.

Police believe Shane Raeburn, 44, of Barnes Street, Clayton-le-Moors, may have taken insulin after it was revealed ampoules of the drug were being cirulated and offered for sale in the area.

It is thought Mr Raeburn and two friends could have taken the drug which is normally used by diabetics.

But it is understood that neither grandfather Mr Raeburn or his friends were diabetics.

It is thought all three fell ill after allegedly taking the drug which police believe is being sold on the black market.

Following Mr Raeburn’s death, it was revealed his friend who is in his 30s, is in a critical condition.

The third has been released from hospital.

Mr Raeburn’s parents who live in Burnley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, were too upset to talk about about his death this week.

Police are rexamining Mr Raeburn’s death after a post-mortem investigation proved inconclusive.

A 40-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man, both from Clayton-le-Moors, and a 19-year-old man from Accrington have been arrested and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Insulin is normally used by diabetic to control blood sugar levels, but it is thought a recent trend has developed for bodybuilders to use the drug to build muscle.

However, police are urging people to not take the drug which is stored in 10ml ampoules, as it can cause non-diabetics to lapse into a coma and can be fatal.

Det Insp Andy Hulme said: "One person has already been admitted to hospital and is very poorly, therefore it is vitally important that people do not take this drug if it is not prescribed to them as they are likely to become extremely unwell and the consequences may prove fatal."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Blackburn police on 01254 51212 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.