A ROSSENDALE man who died mysteriously after complaining of a headache was later discovered to have a fractured skull, an inquest heard.

Ryan Greaves, 25, of John Street, Whitworth, died in Manchester's Hope Hospital on April 13 after complaining of feeling unwell.

The hearing heard from Mr Greaves's partner Alison Brooks, who said Mr Greaves had told her he had banged his head on a kitchen cupboard the Sunday morning before he died.

The pair, who had held a party at their house, went to bed at about midnight on April 13. During the night, Mr Greaves woke up several times complaining of a headache.

On one occasion his partner checked his head, but found no sign of injury. On the fourth occasion he woke up, the pair were going to go to hospital when Mr Greaves fell back asleep.

Miss Brooks went downstairs and heard banging from the bedroom, but when she went upstairs Mr Greaves was in the same position as when she left.

Later that day Mr Greaves was taken to Rochdale Royal Infirmary before being transferred to Manchester.

The inquest heard from Det Supt Ian Jones, of Lancashire Police, who launched an appeal into the death because of its mysterious nature. However, after a lengthy investigation, he said he was satisfied there was nothing suspicious.

Pathologist Philip Lumb said Mr Greaves was covered in grazes and bruises, and had suffered a fractured skull.

He was not sure how Mr Greaves had suffered his injuries, but said the cause of death which was a head injury could have been caused by a blunt object, but probably not the kitchen cupboard.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, East Lancashire Coroner Richard Taylor said: "By the time he started to complain, the injury had been sustained. How he suffered it, we will never know. It strikes me that some time in the party, or on his way to bed, he may have stumbled and banged his head."