AN investigation has been launched after a man found with head injuries near a pub died in hospital. 

Police were contacted at 9.55pm on Saturday by the North West Ambulance Service. A paramedic team was responding to an incident where a man was found with head injuries near The Owl and Pussycat pub, Walney Road, Barrow.

The man, believed to be in his 40s, was taken to Furness General Hospital. He was pronounced dead a short time later.

A cordon is in place at the scene as initial investigative inquiries continue. Ashburner Way is closed in both directions. 

The death is currently unexplained and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident.

Inquiries are also being made to locate the deceased's next of kin. 

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to get in touch. Police would also like to speak to anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage covering this area.

You can contact police online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it, quoting incident number 267 of 9 September. You can also call 101 and ask to speak to an officer in Barrow CID.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.