TRIBUTES have been paid to a woman who died after she fell down steps in a pub cellar.

People took to social media to leave kind words for Elaine Horrocks, named locally as the person who died after the incident at the Rosehill Tavern in Westhoughton at about 11pm on Saturday.

Cath Swift said on Facebook: "So sad R.I.P Elaine and sending deepest sympathy to all family."

Stuart Kramer said on The Bolton News website: "She was a character; we had some wild nights out around Westhoughton back in the day.

"A fun loving girl who was good to her mates and who you could trust. I'll always remember you."

A spokesman from brewery Joseph Holt, which owns the Rosehill Tavern, said the company was aware of the incident, which is being treated by police as an accident.

He said: "A customer of the pub accidentally fell down some stairs in the pub, she was taken to hospital in an ambulance but very tragically passed away.

"The police have confirmed they are treating it as an accident and Joseph Holt are working together with the police during their investigation.

"Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends at this very sad time."

Paramedics rushed to the scene at about 11pm and took Mrs Horrocks to Salford Royal Hospital, where she later died.

Police were called at around 12.15am on Sunday.

A spokesman from Greater Manchester Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

One resident who witnessed the scene at the time said: "I saw the paramedics arrive and then the police came later but I didn’t know what was going on. I’m shocked, it’s usually a quiet street."

Managers at the pub did not wish to comment on the incident, but a barmaid said on Sunday that the woman was well-known in the area.

An official from the Health and Safety Executive said responsibility for health and safety in pubs is enforced by local authorities.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "We can confirm that we are aware of this sad incident and we are investigating."