AN investigation has been launched after a 48-year-old man died days after being referred to a mental health crisis team.

John Hogg, of Vernon Street, Darwen, was taken to his doctor by relatives anxious about his physical and mental health on March 27, an inquest was told.

His brother James Hogg told the inquest he had been so concerned about his brother that he asked the doctor to admit him to hospital and the doctor said he would contact the mental health crisis team.

The inquest heard that he died of bronchopneumonia three days later.

"If the crisis team had followed it up he may well have been taken into hospital and we may not be sitting here today," said Mr Hogg.

A review is now being carried out by Lancashire Care NHS Trust.

Director of Nursing for Lancashire Care NHS Trust, Patrick Sullivan, said a review had taken place and would be signed off or added to when the inquest had been considered.

He said: "Mr Hogg was known to the service and we offer our sincere condolences to the family. The trust appreciates that this is a very difficult time for them. An internal review has taken place following Mr Hogg's death and has considered the issues raised by the family.

"We will be reviewing the case in light of the coroner's comments and verdict."

The inquest was told that Mr Hogg was examined by his doctor, who checked his chest and gave him a further prescription for medication to control his schizophrenia.

The medical cause of death was given as bronchopneumonia due to chronic obstructive airways disease and coroner Michael Singleton recorded a verdict of natural causes.

His relatives will be told of the outcome of the review. They declined to comment further.