AN inquest has been opened into the death of a 77-year-old man from Northwich.

Kenneth Dale Shaw died at St Luke’s Hospice in Winsford on March 13.

The Barnton resident had been diagnosed with lung cancer and his condition was said to have deteriorated recently.

However, at a hearing in Warrington’s Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, April 3, an inquest was opened into Mr Shaw's death due to the cause being believed to be unnatural and possibly industrial-related.

His formal identification was confirmed to the coroner’s office by a funeral director on March 27.

Senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish said she was satisfied an inquest was needed due to the possible industrial-related cause.

Mrs Devonish adjourned the inquest until Thursday, September 5, to give time for investigations to take place.

An internal review will be held on June 2.