DETECTIVES today said the death of a man, who drowned in a water-filled hole, was a tragic accident.

Martin Hartigan's body was discovered in the six-foot deep excavation on Crompton Way, on Tuesday afternoon by two workmen who were due to complete water main repairs.

A police probe was launched immediately and tarpaulin covers were placed across the hole as officers conducted their investigation.

But yesterday a post mortem examination concluded that no one else had been involved in Mr Hartigan's death.

Today Detective Inspector Peter Jackson said: "Following the post mortem examination we're quite happy that there was no foul play and that this was a tragic accident.

"There are no suspicious circumstances and nothing to suggest involvement of a third party."

The tragedy came as the father-of-two was walking home to his house in Chevington Gardens, Astley Bridge, from the Bolton Castle pub on Sunday night, when the recent stormy weather was at its worst.

Experts have concluded that it appears Mr Hartigan fell into the hole, banged his head and drowned.

Police divers were called to the scene on Tuesday to help recover his body.

Yesterday his former wife June Hartigan, who lives with the couple's two children Kelly, 19, and Stuart, 16, was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

Workmates of Mr Hartigan at Argo Prdoucts (Engineers) in Viola Street, Astley Bridge, have been too upset to speak of his death.

Mr Hartigan also leaves behind two sisters and two brothers. His parents, Martin and Margaret, are being comforted at their home in Deane.