A HEARTBROKEN family say they have been left devastated by “inaccurate accusations" made about a father-of-two who was found dead in police custody in Benidorm.

Media reports in Spain suggested Antony Abbott was arrested for assaulting his partner and was found hanged in a police cell.

The 36-year-old was on holiday with his partner of nine years, Catherine Corless, and children Ellie, aged eight, and Louie, aged seven.

Two days before the family was due to travel back to Bolton — in the early hours of last Friday — Mr Abbott was arrested at Hotel Palm Beach for being rowdy after drinking.

Miss Corless, who lives with her family in Halliwell, saw her partner being led away by police but stayed with her children at the hotel.

Just two hours later — at 3am — police returned to the hotel to inform Miss Corless her partner of nine years had died.

Kevin Wallbank, Miss Corless’ uncle, said: “The reports about the assault on Catherine are untrue.

“I think the Spanish newspapers have got it from police reports but the Spanish police have not even taken a statement from Catherine.

“The death certificate states his death is considered as suicide, but we do not believe that and we are going to challenge that through English speaking Spanish solicitors over there.”

Mr Wallbank, who lives in Bolton added: “He was found with bruises on his head.

“Antony was on a family holiday and we have seen videos of him enjoying himself, dancing with the children and posting pictures to Facebook.

"They were sat with other couples having a drink, as you do on holiday.

“He was led away from the hotel and after that we don’t know what has happened.

“Knowing Tony as I do he can be a bit hot headed and the Spanish police have a zero tolerance policy.

“Catherine was initially stopped at the door of the police station by officers holding guns and was pushed away, it was so intimidating for her but she was eventually allowed in the police station with a representative from the British Consulate when she went to collect his belongings the next day.

“I was one of the family members who flew over to console her and the police were not good with us.

“We think the death is suspicious.”

Mr Wallbank will meet with MP David Crausby on Friday in a bid to try get answers to what happened to Mr Abbott.

The Foreign Office says it is providing support to the family and in touch with Spanish authorities.

Mr Abbott’s body is to be flown back this week.

Friends have set up a page to raise money for the family to help with funeral costs and expenses on crowdfunding.justgiving.com/help-for-catherine