THE DEATH of an elderly man who was admitted to hospital after a fall is "non-suspicious" an inquest opening has heard.

Bolton Coroners Court heard on Wednesday how Roy Anthony Podesta, 81 from Leigh, was admitted to Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan after a fall downstairs on December 26.

The retired industrial chemist was pronounced dead on December 28 with pathologist Dr Stephen Wells ruling that this was caused by respiratory failure brought on by head and neck injuries.

Police coroners officer Julie-Ann Hyde told that court that no police enquiries had been carried out and that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr Podesta's death.

Coroner Timothy Brennand has now ordered a full inquest to be held on Friday June 17 with statements to be submitted by Mr Podesta's GP and by Royal Albert Edward Infirmary.