DETECTIVES are probing the death of a cancer patient who may have been given a lethal dose of painkilling drugs by mistake.

Bessie Aspin, 79, died at Riverside Court Nursing Home, Sawley, last Friday.

Police are investigating the possibility that she was given a 200 milligram dose of morphine instead of the intended 20 milligram dose.

A pharmacist and a nurse have been questioned by police. Neither has been charged.

Mrs Aspin, a widow, is thought to have died about 14 hours after having two doses of the drug.

Detective Inspector Clive Tatum confirmed that two people had been questioned and the circumstances surrounding the death were being fully investigated.

He said early inquiries suggested Mrs Aspin, who had been terminally ill, may have been given an increased dose of morphine "by error."

He said: "The post-mortem examination was inconclusive and we cannot yet determine whether the increased dose caused her death."

A file will be sent to the Crown Prosecution Service who will decide if any charges will be brought.

An inquest into the death was opened by Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley coroner Andre Rebello.

He said he was awaiting the result of a post-mortem examination which had been carried out by Home Office pathologist Dr John Rutherford.

Mr Rebello gave Mrs Aspin's address as Duke's Brow, James Avenue, Great Harwood.

The hearing at Hyndburn Magistrates' Court was adjourned pending further investigations.

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