A MUM-of-four has died after developing deep vein thrombosis following a fall at a bookmaker's where she worked.

Cleaner Anne Gibbons, 45, broke an ankle when she tumbled on a rear step at William Hill, in Audley Range, Blackburn.

A health and safety investigation by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has cleared the company of any breaches.

But her husband said he was looking into the possibility of suing the company for damages.

Mrs Gibbons developed deep vein thrombosis in hospital and her condition deteriorated. She died after a blood clot moved to her lungs.

Husband Leslie Gibbons, 57, said that he believed the stone steps at the rear of William Hill, where his wife had worked for four years, were to blame for her death.

He has contacted a firm of solicitors to investigate the possibility of suing the company. He said: "I believe those steps were an accident waiting to happen."

At an inquest opening last week, coroner Michael Singleton confirmed that Mrs Gibbons had suffered a fall at the branch of William Hill where she worked, leaving her needing hospital treatment.

But Adam Scott, director of regeneration, housing and neighbourhoods for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said a full investigation had taken place and cleared the shop. He said: "An officer visited the premises after being notified of the accident. Mrs Gibbons herself contributed information to the investigation. No health and safety breaches were found to have taken place."

Mrs Gibbons, of Whitendale Crescent, Blackburn, was completing her early morning 90-minute shift when she fell at the shop around 7.15am on September 4. She was kept in hospital for four days, but two weeks later was re-admitted when her condition deteriorated. She died a day later on September 22.

Mr Gibbons added: "It has been a massive shock to us all. Anne was a lovely bubbly woman and her death has left a large hole in all of our lives."

He said a final decision on whether to go through with legal action against the bookmakers will be made after the inquest.