A MAJOR police investigation was prompted when a Bacup man fell down steps and suffered serious head injuries, an inquest heard.

But Burnley Coroner’s Court was told that Robert Atkinson, 45, had taken a cocktail of heroin, methadone and diazepam tablets shortly before his 18-foot plunge down Market Street.

Friends immediately called the emergency services after the incident and Mr Atkinson was rushed to Rochdale Infirmary for treatment.

However he had suffered no fewer than three skull fractures and died the following day from his injuries.

Eyewitness Shaun Thornton, 16, of Hammond Avenue, Bacup, said he had gone out in the early hours with Mr Atkinson and his friend Lee Quinn to a local garage.

He confirmed that earlier the older man had taken methadone and diazepam tablets, but he did not appear to be unsteady on his feet.

The court heard that Mr Atkinson had wanted to relieve himself and had begun to walk up some nearby steps, while Mr Thornton and Mr Quinn went on ahead. Mr Thornton said: “He went up the steps because he wanted a wee.

“We went up with him to see that he was all right.

“The next thing we knew there was a bang and he had fallen. So we went straight down to him. I called the ambulance. He was still breathing a little bit at the time.”

Pc Stephen Rothwell, coroner’s officer, told the hearing that a post-mortem examination was carried out on Mr Atkinson by pathologist Dr Zuhir Twaj.

The doctor said there was some alcohol in the deceased’s system, alongside evidence of morphine, methadone and diazepam.

The examination revealed that Mr Atkinson had suffered three skull fractures in the fall.

Dr Twaj concluded that the combined effects of the drugs would have contributed to his death.

Stuart Hunter, assistant coroner for East Lancashire, recorded an accidental verdict.

He said: “He had taken drugs which would have affected his stability and his ability to keep his balance.”