AN inquest has been opened and adjourned into the death of a middle aged man who died after stomach surgery.

Philip Anthony Joseph Bowdin, 53, of Manchester Road, Hapton, died in Burnley General Hospital, on May 6.

Coroner's officer Bob Wilson told the hearing, at Burnley Magistrates' Court, Mr Bowdin was admitted to hospital for an operation on May 2, developed bleeding shortly afterwards and was taken back to the theatre again. He deteriorated and died after the surgery.

PC Wilson said a post mortem examination had been carried out and the results of toxicology and biological tests were being awaited. He added Mr Bowdin had been identified by his cousin.

A friend who went to school with Philip, Joan Lakeland, of Lane Ends, Hapton, said: "Philip was a really nice men who kept himself to himself and liked gardening.

"His mother and father both lived into their 90s and didn't have any specific illnesses so it does seem odd that he should die so young."