FIGURES from the Chinese community met Opposition leader Michael Howard this week during his fact-finding mission' to Morecambe in the wake of the drowning disaster.

The Conservative Party leader came to the area to learn from detectives about the investigation into the deaths of cockle pickers at Morecambe.

After a private meeting at Lancaster police station on Wednesday he went to Central Methodist Church in Green Street, Morecambe, to speak with members of the Chinese and inter-faith communities.

Outside the police station, Mr Howard said: "This was obviously a terrible tragedy for those involved and a deep shock for Morecambe, its communities and the whole country.

"It was first and foremost a deep tragedy but it also has wider policy implications. I'm here to try to learn about the background to what happened, about its causes and about how we can make sure nothing like that ever happens again."

He refused to answer questions from the media about the tragedy and immigration issues.

Chief Sup't Wendy Walker, of Lancashire Police, welcomed his visit, saying: "It is important for the community that this tragedy is acknowledged."