AN inquest has been opened and adjourned into the death of man who was almost decapitated in a horrific do-it-yourself accident at his home.

Brian Howarth, 48, died instantly after the blade came away from a circular bench saw and sliced into his head and neck, causing fatal injuries.

A post mortem examination found he had died as a result of "multiple injuries".

A woman passer-by discovered his body next to the machinery in the grounds of his recently renovated home, Friar Hill Farm, Green Haworth, Accrington.

Mr Howarth is believed to have been cutting wood when the accident happened.

Police had to wait at the farm so they could break the news to his wife Susan and the couple's two sons when they returned.

The inquest heard that an investigation is also under way by a factories inspector to discover why the machinery malfunctioned. Michael Singleton, Deputy Coroner for Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley, adjourned the hearing until a future date.

Mr Howarth moved from Haslingden to the farm five years ago and later sold a skip business to put money into the renovation.

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