THE body of a 33-year-old Rossendale man lay undiscovered in his home for up to four days before he was found, an inquest heard.

East Lancashire’s Deputy Coroner Mark Williams heard how John Heyworth, of Todmorden Road, Bacup, had been diagnosed with epilepsy some years after suffering a serious accident when he was 11 years old.

His father John Heyworth senior told the inquest held at Burnley Magistrates Court how he had only become aware his son had been suffering from fits after he turned 18.

He also said that his son was taking medication to control his blackouts and that prior to his death he had not complained that his condition was getting any worse.

A post mortem examination into Mr Heyworth’s death was held by East Lancashire consultant pathologist Dr Abdul Al-Daoud.

He said: “I conducted a thorough examination of the body but I was unable to find any natural cause of death.

“There had also been no trauma to the body, so I ordered further toxicological tests of his heart and lungs.”

However, Mr Al-Daoud did say he had spotted changes to the tongue which could of suggested Mr Heyworth had suffered a fit.

During the post mortem examination a small amount of alcohol was found in Mr Heyworth’s urine but the pathologist said this could have become present after death with the development of bacteria.

Mr Heyworth was discovered approximately four days after he died in his flat by his support worker.

Mr Williams said: “Based on the evidence, it is likely Mr Heyworth suffered from an epileptic fit and therefore I am recording a verdict of natural causes.”