Inquiry into death of Bolton soccer dad

10:32am Friday 2nd May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A HOSPITAL mental health unit is to conduct an inquiry into the suspected suicide of the father of football stars Garry and David Flitcroft.

Businessman John Flitcroft, aged 59, from Bromley Cross, was found hanged in his room at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

He had been admitted to hospital while trying to come off a drug, Ativan, which he took for an anxiety disorder.

While in hospital, his medication was stopped and he was given an alternative drug.

The Rivington mental health unit is run by the Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Trust chief executive Bev Humphrey said: "The trust will be conducting an internal review of the incident as part of its standard processes and will, of course, be contributing to the inquest into Mr Flitcroft's death.

"Following the death of Mr Flitcroft, the trust is continuing to co-operate with the police and is in close contact with the family of the deceased.

"I would like offer my sincere condolences to the family of Mr Flitcroft. I know staff at the Rivington Unit are in close contact with his family during this distressing time."

Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr Flitcroft's death.

Officers had been called to the hospital shortly after 8am on Sunday, following reports that a man had been found hanged.

A date has not yet been set for Mr Flitcroft's inquest, which has been opened and adjourned.

His funeral will be held at St Anne's Church, Chapeltown Road, Chapeltown, on Wednesday at noon.

A carriage led by four white horses will lead a procession to the church.