AN inquest has been opened into the death of 71-year-old Derek Harwood following surgery at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Mr Harwood, a retired electrician and draughtsman, of Rothesay Road, Blackburn, was admitted to hospital on November 13.

He underwent a stomach operation and colonic bypass for an obstructive tumour.

His condition deteriorated and he died on November 30.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out and medical cause of death given as peritonitis, leakage from a gastro jejunal anastomosis and pyloric tumour.