THE body of a man found dead in his flat was so badly decomposed that it was impossible to say what killed him, an inquest has heard.

Anthony Fallows, who had collapsed and was in front of a lit gas fire for several days, was identified by a palm print, the hearing at Burnley Magistrates Court was told.

Mr Fallows, 34, of Kinross Street, Burnley, had complained to his mother that he had been suffering from headaches after being mugged in Coal Clough Lane, Burnley.

But a post mortem examination could find no evidence on his body of any violence.

Police conducted a thorough investigation and the gas and electricity supply to his flat was checked but everything was working normally.

Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Taylor, of Burnley police, said: "It's a mystery.

"There was no evidence that he was a victim of a violent crime. There was no evidence of drug taking or that he had committed suicide. It's simply an inexplicable death but one which I'm satisfied crime did not play a part."

Forensic pathologist Dr William Lawler said the advanced decomposition of the body hindered the post mortem examination but there were no signs of broken bones or a fractured skull, or any other injury to the body. He said he was unable to ascertain the cause of death.

Mr Fallows was last seen on January 27 and police officers broke into his flat and found his body on February 8, two days after his birthday.

East Lancashire coroner David Smith returned an open verdict.

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