A PENSIONER who tumbled downstairs at a family New Year party did not die from her injuries.

An inquest heard how Mrs Hilda Heyworth , 74, originally thought to have received severe head injuries, had a heart condition which probably caused her to fall although she did not suffer a heart attack.

Recording a verdict of death by natural causes, East Lancashire Coroner David Smith said Mrs Heyworth, of Grane Road, Haslingden, sustained only external injuries and none of them caused or contributed to her death.

The hearing, at Burnley Magistrates Court, was told how Mrs Heyworth died at the Colldale Terrace, Haslingden, home of her daughter and son-in-law Christine and Neil Harris on January 1.

The family had eaten at about 5pm, there was general socialising and Mrs Heyworth, who was at the party with her husband of 52 years, Edwin, 85, had a few drinks.

At about 8.15pm, she went upstairs to use the toilet and both she and her husband were upstairs at the same time.

The party guests then heard an "almighty crash," from the stairs and both Mr and Mrs Heyworth were found lying at the bottom. Mrs Heyworth, who appeared unconscious, was bleeding from the head and her husband was conscious but appeared dazed and confused.

An ambulance was called and first aid given and Mr Heyworth was taken to hospital. Mrs Heyworth, who paramedics believed had suffered massive head injuries was pronounced dead at the house by a local doctor.

Pathologist Dr W D Salman said Mrs Heyworth had suffered lacerations and a large haemotoma over the scalp but none of the injuries caused her death.

He told the hearing Mrs Heyworth had thickening to her heart and died from hypertensive heart disease. It was not known if the change in her heart rhythm occurred after she fell or before. She did not have a heart attack.

In a statement to the inquest, Mr Heyworth said he could not remember seeing his wife upstairs or going down the stairs. He vaguely recollected the paramedics arriving at their daughter's home and telling him Mrs Heyworth had died.

WPC Kerry Hulme confirmed to the inquest that Mr Heyworth had been distraught after the accident at the party and was saying it was all his fault. There was no evidence to support that.