An inquest has opened after an elderly man died in hospital following several health issues.

Brian Michael Holt, 86, who was originally from Kearsley, was a retired electrical engineer who lived in Worsley.

Bolton Coroners Court heard how Mr Holt, of Richmond Drive, had been admitted to Salford Royal Hospital for the final time on June 11 where he was declared to have died.

Police coroners officer Stefan Wilson said: “There were no suspicious circumstances and no reason why the body should not be released.”

PCO Wilson told the coroners court how Mr Holt had been admitted to the hospital before after a fall and went there the final time after experiencing “shortness of breath".

He had also suffered health problems including skin cancer and kidney disease.

According to PCO Wilson, Mr Holt was identified by his wife after his death on June 11, which a postmortem investigation decided to have been brought on by mesothelioma.

Coroner Timothy Brennand ruled that a full hearing will take place later this year to determine the full facts around Mr Holt’s death and requested statements from Mr Holt’s GP and Salford Royal Hospital by August 12.

A full inquest is now set to take place on October 6.