A Horwich man is believed to have bled to death when he severed a main artery after locking himself out of his Spanish apartment block.

John Hawarden, aged 36, died in a private clinic in the resort of Benidorm.

Mr Hawarden was rushed to the town's main clinic with blood pouring from a leg wound. He underwent surgery but died despite frantic efforts to save his life.

Mr Hawarden, a well known chef who had been working in Spain for the last 12 months, locked himself out of his flat after he mislaid his keys. He then attempted to break his way in by kicking the glass door but cut through an artery.

A Spanish Police report said he was found by his neighbours in front of his flat in the Calle Tomas Ortuno area at 3am.

His death has stunned his family in Horwich and friends and colleagues in Spain. An obituary was placed in the Costa Blanca News by his friends in Spain. It said Mr Hawarden - known affectionately as "Claypole" - was "very popular, a great chef, and an avid Bolton fan". He was described as a well known character in Benidorm.

The obituary added: "We will all miss his mad antics and appreciate the rare privilege of knowing him."

His mother Mona Liptrott flew to Spain after her son's death. She was too distressed to talk about the tragedy at the family home in Stocks Park Drive, Horwich today. The funeral service will be held at Horwich Parish Church tomorrow, prior to interment at Ridgmont Cemetery.

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