BLACKPOOL became a centre for national and international attention this week after the tragic death of a group of Chinese cocklers in Morecambe Bay.

Blackpool Police Station was used to question seven suspects in the manslaughter investigation which followed the death of 19 people last Thursday night.

Five of the suspects also appeared before Blackpool Magistrates on Tuesday as police asked for extra time to question them.

No charges have yet been brought. Two other men, a father and son from the Wirral, both called David Eden, have issued a statements through their solicitors denying involvement in the tragedy and saying they had come forward with information.

The Fylde's local authorities have expressed their sorrow at the tragedy.

Mayor of Blackpool, Cllr Lily Henderson said: "The council expresses its heartfelt sympathy for all those involved in the tragedy, including the Chinese community and the Emergency Services.

"As a neighbouring Lancashire coastal town, our thoughts are also with the people of Morecambe, who have endured such a terrible loss on their very own doorstep."

A Wyre Borough Council spokesman added: "Everyone at the council is thinking about those people who died and the families they have left behind."

Police have confirmed that a body discovered in the sea off Blackpool on Monday was not that of a victim of the tragedy. Investigations are continuing into the man's death.