A MYSTERY taxi driver could have vital information in a murder probe after a man was found collapsed at his home.

Detectives launched an inquiry following the death of Thomas Mercer, 56, who took ill shortly after returning from his local pub in Darwen.

He was involved in a ‘physical altercation’ at the Bob Inn before getting in a taxi alone back to his home, in Birch Hall Avenue, police said.

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Officers are now appealing for the taxi driver who took Mr Mercer home to come forward to help them piece together the moments before Mr Mercer collapsed.

They have so far been unable to trace the identity of the driver or the firm they worked for.

But Det Sgt Eric Halford, of Blackburn CID, said the driver could hold the key to solving the mystery of what led to Mr Mercer’s death.

He said: “We are still trying to piece together a complete picture of Mr Mercer’s actions and movements leading up to his death so that we can ensure every avenue has been thoroughly investigated.

“Part of this involves Mr Mercer’s trip home and we believe that he has got a taxi to his home just before midnight on November 4.

“Our inquiries with local companies have been unable to identify which firm was used and more importantly the driver who may have taken Mr Mercer. It may be that Mr Mercer flagged a taxi down so they may not be from the immediate area.

“We are particularly keen to speak to them to ascertain if they have any information which may help the investigation and as such I would urge them to contact us.”

Mr Mercer, who was a step-father-of-eight, died in the early hours of November 5 at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

He had been in the Duckworth Street pub the evening before, where he had been playing bingo with his partner of 20 years, Margaret Quinn.

Officers believe there may have been an argument and that Mr Mercer, who was a grandfather figure to his partner’s 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, was involved in a fight.

He left the pub and returned home, where he took ill while talking to his stepson John.

Mr Mercer’s family has paid tribute to him, describing him as a ‘really nice guy’ who would help anybody out.

They have also thanked friends and relatives for their messages of support.

Darwen councillor Brian Taylor said: “I would urge anybody with any information regarding this unfortunate incident to come forward and give that information to the police.

“This kind of thing is so unusual for Darwen. It is not something that happens very often, I am glad to say.

“For the people involved and Mr Mercer’s family, it must be horrendous.

“Hopefully, if the police can resolve what happened, it will help them find closure.”

Anyone with information should contact DS Halford on 01254 353562 or Lancashire Police on 101 quoting reference number LC-20141105-0081.

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

* A 48 year old man from Darwen was arrested on suspicion of murder and has been released on police bail until February 2015.

He has not yet been charged with any offence.