A DRIVER involved in a death crash had probably suffered a heart attack, a Burnley inquest was told.

Retired company director James Papworth was driving in Eastern Avenue, Burnley, when he was in collision with an oncoming car.

Mr Papworth, 70, of Berwick Drive, Burnley, was taken to Burnley General Hospital then transferred to Macclesfield because of a shortage of intensive care beds.

Jean Taylor of the same address said her partner had been fit and well since suffering a mild heart attack three years ago.

On August 10 he complained of feeling bilious and lethargic.

He went to the doctor who said it was not his heart but that it sounded like gastro-enteritis.

Later he was on his way to collect her from her daughter's but did not arrive. She was told he had been involved in an accident.

He never regained consciousness and died on Friday, August 13.

Adjourning the inquest until police have completed their inquiries East Lancashire Coroner David Smith said that preliminary investigations indicated Mr Papworth had suffered a heart attack.

The funeral was due to place today.

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