Ambulance crews were called to the Lancaster Canal near the Th'Owd Tithe Barn pub in Church Street, Garstang, at 9.40pm on Wednesday, following reports of an assault.

David Tweddle, 56, from Carlisle, was found on a barge and despite attempts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police arrested a 72-year-old man close to the scene and he is currently being questioned by detectives at Lancaster Police Station.

The towpath remained sealed off at dawn on Thursday morning with police officers at the scene.

Lancashire police's force incident manager Insp Kevin Upton said: "The call was received from a male on the towpath of the Preston to Lancaster canal at Garstang and officers attended, as did the Lancashire Ambulance Service.

"On arrival of the police officers, the ambulance service was working on a male found collapsed on a barge on the canal.

"Despite the efforts of the ambulance service, unfortunately the male was pronounced dead at the scene.

"A male offender was arrested very quickly nearby and he is currently detained at Lancaster Police Station."

Fire crews from Garstang and Fulwood attended the scene to provide lighting but were not involved in any rescue attempt.

Mr Tweddle's wife Agnes, 57, said: "David worked for Age Concern and was a loving family man.

"He loved his boat and lived for his weekends when he could go sailing. This was his life."