AN inquest into the death of a man who sustained fatal head injuries has been adjourned.

Patrick Healey, 34, sustained the injuries at a house in Sandpiper Square, Burnley, on May 21 after a day drinking with friends.

Paramedics fought to save him after he was discovered at the bottom of the stairs, but he was pronounced dead at Burnley General Hospital later that day at 11pm.

A post mortem examination revealed the former butcher of Wycoller Avenue, Burnley, died from a fractured skull, sustained through a single blow to the back of the head.

During the inquest at Ribble Valley Town Hall, Clitheroe, yesterday, coroner Michael Singleton said he had no choice but to adjourn the inquest until a later date in order that more witnesses could be called.

He acknowledged that the family were seeking closure over Mr Healey's death but said more time was needed.

Mr Singleton said: "I had intended to resume the inquest but I do not have sufficient evidence to allow this matter to proceed and I do not want to rely on witness statements which have inaccuracies. I am adjourning it for witnesses to be summoned before this inquest.

"They shall not avoid their responsibilty to appear before us."

Following Mr Healey's death a 28-year old man was arrested at the scene before being released on police bail.

In August, Mr Healey's family were told the Crown Prosecution Service had decided that no charges would be brought.

A requiem mass was held at St Mary's RC Church, followed by burial at Burnley Cemetery in July.

No date has been set for when the inquest will resume.