A MAN has died after falling ill when he was handcuffed at a store in Farnworth.

Police were called to reports of a man with a knife at Nisa in St James Street, Farnworth, shortly after 1.30pm yesterday.

The man in his thirties had already been detained by members of the public when officers arrived and he was handcuffed.

But he fell ill and had to be rushed to hospital but was later pronounced dead.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of assault and remain in police custody for questioning.

A spokesman from Greater Manchester Police said the force’s Professional Standards Branch had been informed in line with policy.

Superintendent Steve Howard said: “Earlier today officers responded to reports of a man with a knife in a shop in Farnworth and found a man who had been detained by members of the public.

“He was then handcuffed by officers before falling ill and being taken to hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead.

“Our thoughts remain with the man’s family at this difficult time and we are working to provide them with support from specially trained officers.

“We are currently carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident and I would ask that anybody who believes they have information which can assist us in our enquiries to please contact police.”

A cordon was put up while the officers inspected the scene.

There were reports from the public that it had been a stabbing but those were denied by police.

Sam Wood, aged 23, was with his mother in her flat above the shop when the incident occurred.

He said: "It was a surprise to us. I was upstairs in the flat with my mum and my sisters and we didn't hear anything.

"Then all of a sudden someone said there was something happening outside and we went to the window and there were police everywhere and an ambulance with its doors open."

He explained that the police had put up a cordon around the flat and asked everyone to stay inside until they could be interviewed.

Anyone who has any information should contact police in 101 quoting 1053 of May 3, or through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.