AN investigation is under way today into how a Hampshire man collapsed and died as he was being removed from a pub.

Peter Lawrence, 37, was being escorted out of the bar when he collapsed unconscious. It is thought he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives sealed off the area while forensic examinations were carried out.

Four men believed to have been standing close to the man when he died have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and were questioned by police. They were released on police bail until March 28.

A post mortem examination at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester proved inconclusive and further tests were being carried out this morning.

Mr Lawrence, of Clarendon Crescent, Titchfield Common, died as he was being taken out of the Lloyds No 1 bar in Port Solent.

He had been drinking inside the bar with friends from around 8.30pm on Saturday and three hours later he was told he could not have any more to drink.

It is then understood he had to be physically removed from the bar by security staff and during his extraction, between 11.24pm and 11.45pm, he became unconscious and died.

Nathan Wall, operations director for pub chain Wetherspoons, who own the two-storey bar in The Boardwalk, Port Solent, confirmed someone had died at the premises.

"This is obviously a terrible tragedy that has resulted in the death of someone's relative and not just a customer."

Mr Wall confirmed that none of the Lloyds No.1 employees was involved in the incident.

A police spokeswoman last night confirmed four people had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

"The post-mortem was inconclusive and further investigations will be carried out to ascertain the cause of death."

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 0845 045 4545 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting Operation Marco.