THE death of a Warrington man is to be explored due to potential links with asbestos exposure.

An inquest was formally opened at Warrington Coroner’s Court on Wednesday into the passing of Raymond McGuire.

The Lymm resident died aged 73 at Statham Manor Nursing Home in the village on September 10.

The court heard how Mr McGuire’s cause of death is linked to asbestos exposure during the course of his working life.

A coroner officer requested that an inquest be opened due to this asbestos link, but also because of family concerns regarding his care and treatment.

Mr McGuire’s identity was confirmed by a funeral director the day after his death, the court heard.

It was also requested that the inquest be adjourned to allow for further work to be completed.

Victoria Davies, area coroner for Cheshire, said: “Given the potential link to asbestos exposure, there is a potentially unnatural element to the cause of death.

“I am going to formally open an inquest and adjourn to December 19.”

There will be an internal review by the coroner on November 24.