MEDICAL experts are investigating what is thought to be the first case of CJD, the human form of mad cow disease, in East Lancashire.

It has been revealed that doctors believe Anita Maria Bradshaw, a 30-year-old mother of two from Accrington, died after contracting Creutzfeld-Jakob disease.

An inquest was opened yesterday into the death of Mrs Bradshaw, of Stanley Street, by coroner Michael Singleton.

A post mortem examination has been carried out and Mr Singleton said that it was believed the death was caused by a new variant of CJD, the human equivalent of BSE.

Mrs Bradshaw, who was married to Andrew and had two children called Rebecca and Reece, died at Queen's Park Hospital last Wednesday.

Mr Bradshaw is being comforted by his parents at their home in Peel Park Avenue, Accrington.

The funeral took place this morning at Accrington crematorium followed by a burial at Accrington cemetery.