INVESTIGATIONS were today under way at two Lancashire hospitals following the death of a Wilpshire man who was treated for a methadone overdose when he was dying of a fractured skull.

An inquest heard how 30-year-old Steven John Wynne died in May after being discharged from casualty departments at both Blackburn Royal Infirmary and Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Only on a second visit to Blackburn Infirmary was he scanned and the fracture discovered, but he died four days later.

Steven, a former heroin addict well into recovery but still on a methadone reduction programme, had banged his head trying to climb into his first floor flat in Wilpshire about a week earlier but did not mention it to staff.

His parents, Keith and Denise Warburton, of Corbridge Court, Clitheroe, allege both times he was discharged after treatment for a methadone overdose.

Denise said she was very pleased Steven's death was being investigated.

She said: "I just feel he was labelled unfairly for past problems."

The family has reported the matter to the General Medical Council.

Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Healthcare Trust chief executive John Thomas confirmed they had been contacted by the Warburtons and the trust was carrying out an investigation.

He said: "I would like to express my sympathy to the family of Mr Wynne at this very sad time.

"Mr Wynne's family have contacted the trust with regard to issues relating to his care at Blackburn Royal Infirmary which we are in the process of investigating.

"Following our investigations we would welcome the opportunity to speak to Mr Wynne's family about their concerns and we will be contacting them in the near future."

A Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre NHS Hospitals Trust spokeswoman said: "The trust can confirm it has received a complaint from the family of Mr Wynne. We are carrying out a detailed investigation and once it is completed we will provide the family with a written response."

A verdict of accidental death was recorded by East Lancashire coroner Michael Singleton.