Pensioner dies in suspicious circumstances

Ernest Satterthwaite, 93, of Brook Street, Troutbeck Bridge, near Windermere, died 24 hours after being admitted to Westmorland General Hospital, Kendal.

The coroner was called in and the police were contacted.

An inquest at Kendal on Monday heard that the cause of Mr Satterthwaite's death was due to a culmination of factors which were bronchial pneumonia, pressure sores and immobility.

Detective Inspector Steve Holmes, of Kendal police, told the hearing: "We are looking at this as a criminal inquiry.

"We are examining the background of the deceased and the treatment and care he received prior to his death."

Two people were arrested and have been released on bail until April 19 pending further police investigations.

Police confirmed neither are health care workers.

DI Holmes said detectives would be making inquiries with doctors, neighbours, relatives and other agencies about the kind of care Mr Satterthwaite received before he died last Wednesday, January 17.

Mr Satterthwaite had lived in Troutbeck Bridge from the age of four and was a familiar character in the village.

His niece Freda Nightingale, who lives in Lancaster, described Mr Satterthwaite as "quite a private person."

His hobby was gardening and he specialised in growing chrysanthemums at his allotment in the village which he exhibited at flower shows throughout the area.

Another passion was fell walking and he had visited most of the major summits in the Lake District.

He used to walk every day until he had a hip operation two years ago.

An engineer by trade, he had worked all his life at the W.A Fell engineering works in the village which manufactured specialised wood working machinery.

Mr Satterthwaite's wife, Betty, died about 20 years ago.

The couple had no children.

South Cumbria coroner Cyril Prickett adjourned the inquest for four weeks to allow the police to make further inquiries.

The body would then be released for burial.