THE family of a Second World War veteran is hoping an investigation will uncover how he fell to his death in a lift at a Prestwich nursing home.

Harry Hurst (81) was only staying at Claremont Nursing Home while renovation work on his house in Whitefield was being completed.

His body was discovered beneath his wheelchair in the lift carriage, which was stuck between floors at the social services-run home on Thursday afternoon last week (Aug 2).

It has emerged that Mr Hurst, a grandfather-of-three, died instantly from a broken neck, and the circumstances are now being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

His family are awaiting the completion of the inquiry in the hope of discovering how the accident happened. His daughter-in-law, Mrs Denise Hurst said: "We are co-operating with the HSE over this matter. We don't know how the accident happened or what went wrong."

Although confined to a wheelchair since losing his legs to diabetes, Mr Hurst was described by his family as independent and alert. He did have hearing problems.

The widower, who lived in south Manchester for most of his life, moved to Hindburn Walk in Whitefield around ten years ago to be nearer his children following the death of his wife. His home was being renovated by Bury Council contractors and he was placed in Claremont Nursing Home, in Park View Road, two days before his death while the work was completed.

An inquest was opened on Tuesday (Aug 7) and adjourned pending the completion of the HSE probe.

His family said it was too early to say if any legal action will be taken against Bury Council.

A council spokesman said it would be inappropiate to comment until a full report had been received.