REPORTS that an NHS worker was assaulted on a mental health ward at the Royal Blackburn Hospital site turned out to be unfounded, said police.

Lancashire Constabulary officers attended the Ribble Ward, which is run by Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, at 5pm on Friday, but said further investigations revealed the staff member had been ‘taken ill’.

Spokesman Rachel Whittle added: “Initially it was believed that that staff member could have been assaulted but further investigation revealed that the staff member had actually been taken ill.

“He was treated by medical professionals and is recovering in hospital. No criminal offence has taken place and there is no further police involvement.”

A spokesman for Lancashire Care said: “The trust takes the welfare of its staff and service users very seriously, however we are unable to comment further for confidentiality reasons.”