AN inquest has been opened into the death of a pensioner who died following an operation in Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

Michael Carrol, 71, of Burnley Road, Accrington, was admitted to the hospital on August 7 and underwent an operation the next day.

Although he seemed to make a good recovery he deteriorated and died on the evening of August 18 in the intensive care unit.

A post mortem examination showed the cause of death was the breathing in of gastric contents.

Coroner for Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley, Michael Singleton, opened and adjourned the inquest for a full hearing on November 20.