AN investigation is underway after a patient was found hanged at a hospital's psychiatric unit.

The body of the 64 year-old woman was discovered at Leigh Infirmary.

Jean Simm, of Lowton, was found in her room at around 8.30pm.

Neighbours said Mrs Simm and her husband, Tom, had lived in their Elm Tree Road bungalow for the last two years. They were shocked to hear of the tragedy.

One said: "She was a nice lady who we used to chat to from time to time.

"I think she had been unwell for quite some time with her nerves.

"But I was shocked when I was told she had died. Nobody expected it -- it's a mess."

A spokesman for Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust, said: "The trust is now urgently investigating the incident as part of normal procedures following an unexpected death.

"The appropriate agencies and the coroner have been informed of the death and the trust is therefore not in a position to discuss the individual's case details.

"We would like to offer our sincere sympathy to the family at this very distressing time."

A coroner's office spokesman said a date had not yet been fixed for an inquest into Mrs Simm's death.