TWO people were still being questioned by detectives last night (Wednesday)about the murder of a construction worker in Poulton.

He died after being found with serious head injuries in a pub on Sunday.

Colin Dalton, aged 39, was discovered severely hurt in the main bar of the Queens Hotel in Higher Green, Poulton, at lunchtime.

Police launched a murder inquiry after he died in intensive care at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on Monday morning.

Police at Blackpool could not confirm last night that a third person -- a woman -- was being quizzed there about the death.

Mr Dalton was a construction worker with Edge and Thompson Ltd in Cocker Avenue in the town. Police said he had been living at the Queens Hotel.

The two people being questioned at Fleetwood were detained on Tuesday, and magistrates later said a detention order on them should be extended by 24 hours.

A post-mortem examination confirmed that Mr Dalton died of head injuries.

Late yesterday the Queens pub was locked up and apparently empty.

A handwritten sign in the window read: "Closed till further notice."

Neighbours said they were shocked that such a thing could have happened at their local. One added: "It was no way for the poor lad to go."

A friend of Mr Dalton's, Queens regular Gordon McPhee, died in mysterious circumstances after being discovered at home with serious injuries just five years ago.

Outside the Queens main entrance yesterday a dozen floral bouquets had been left standing against the wall. One read: "Dolly -- you will be dearly missed. Love Hayley." And another read: "To dearest Dolly. We'll never forget you."

The Queens Hotel