A PATHOLOGIST has been unable to find out why a 22-stone man died.

An inquest heard how Brian Whitehall's body was so badly decomposed it hindered the post mortem examination.

Although he had been seen alive the afternoon before, the warm weather may have speeded up decomposition.

Acting East Lancs Coroner Richard Taylor recorded an open verdict on Mr Whitehall of Waddington Avenue, Burnley, who was found in dead the hallway after police broke into his flat.

Pathologist Dr Walid Salman said there was no evidence of drink or drugs in Mr Whitehall's body. The only significant finding was in Mr Whitehall's heart, where there was evidence of fibrosis and scarring. This may have contributed to his death.

Mr Salman said Mr Whitehall had probably had a heart attack in the past and his weight would have put pressure on his heart.