A DENTIST from Bolton could face disciplinary action following the death of a five-year-old girl at his surgery, a report revealed today.

An independent inquiry into the death of Karla Selley, of Golden Hill Lane, Leyland, recommended South Lancashire Health Authority considers taking action against 42-year-old dentist Michael Lane of Junction Lane, Lostock.

A manslaughter trial against Mr Lane at Preston Crown Court collapsed earlier this year - two years after Karla died in hospital following an operation to extract a baby tooth at his surgery. Mr Lane had denied manslaughter.

The report said the health authority "acted within its powers and did all that it should have done to monitor the state of preparedness of the Towngate Dental Practice to undertake dental general anaesthesia".

It recommended Mr Lane should be referred to the General Dental Council and the General Medical Council.