A DEVASTATED family laid their daughter to rest then began a quest to find out why the 21-year-old law student died after a minor operation at a Blackburn hospital.

Saira Faruque, of Lomeshaye Road, Nelson, died following a routine sinus operation and today her parents were demanding an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

More than 500 mourners packed the streets near her home yesterday to pay their last respects to Saira, and prayers were said at Nelson Mosque followed by burial at Walton Lane cemetery.

Bosses at Blackburn Royal Infirmary today confirmed that an investigation is being launched into the tragic death.

A post mortem examination has already been carried out and the family are awaiting results.

Doctors at Burnley General Hospital referred Saira, who was having trouble sleeping, to an ear nose and throat specialist at the infirmary last Thursday.

Saira died following the operation on Friday afternoon. After the procedure had been completed and she was taken to the recovery room.

Her father, Mohammed Faruque, said her heart started beating abnormally and she had to be taken into the intensive care unit, where she later died.

Mr Faruque said: "She was so fit and healthy which is why we can't understand what has happened. We want answers.

"The hospital has been useless.

"They have not kept us informed and have not spoken to us since Saira's death, which we find appalling.

"We tried to talk to the doctors but they didn't want anything to do with us and didn't give us the time of day which is what hurts even more.

"Doctors should be trained in dealing with these kind of circumstances.

"It would have helped if we had a sympathetic ear and a shoulder to cry on at such a tragic time but that didn't happen."

Mohammed added: "She was the apple of my eye.

"Such a gifted and talented person in every possible respect. She was studying law at university which shows how bright she was. We will miss her incredible smile - everybody knew Saira for her smile and kind heart and that is how she will always be remembered."

A spokesman for East Lancashire Hospital's NHS Trust, said: "We are extremely sad about the tragic death of Miss Faruque.

"Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Miss Faruques family at this difficult time. The Trust is undertaking an investigation relating to this matter."

Saira, a Manchester United fan and Leeds Metropolitan University law student, also leaves her mother Viqar-Un-Nisa, 46, and siblings Wasim, 26, Saima, 24, Umar, 23, Uzma, 16, and Sameeia, 13.