Post-mortem check on man 'tormented' by youths fails to find cause of death

Detectives ordered further tests in an attempt to identify what killed David Askew, who was found dead outside his home in Hattersley, Greater Manchester, on Wednesday night.

Officers were called to his address after reports youngsters were causing an "annoyance" at the property. They found Mr Askew, who had learning difficulties, collapsed outside and he was pronounced dead at the scene. He is not thought to have been physically attacked.

An 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, and remained in custody last night.

A Greater Manchester Police spokeswoman said last night: "A post-mortem examination into the death of David Askew has proved inconclusive. Further tests will have to be carried out to determine the exact cause of death."

Outrage over the case soared after it emerged authorities were warned years ago that Mr Askew was being targeted by gangs where he lived with his wheelchair-bound mother Rose and his brother Brian. One neighbour said Mr Askew had been "tormented to death – like bear-baiting".

Detectives insisted they had done everything possible to protect Mr Askew. The force has voluntarily referred itself to the police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Two policemen stood guard outside the house yesterday, as a council worker boarded up the gap left by Mr Askew's gate, which was removed for evidence. Flowers marked the spot where he died.

"Dave you will be sadly missed by lots and never forgotten," a card left at the scene read. "Now you can rest in peace."

A second said: "Hope your family get justice for what these people have done to you. You are in a safer place now."

Another simply said: "Hope you get justice. Sleep tight."

It has emerged that Mrs Askew – the tenant – recently agreed to be re-housed.

Phil Corris, managing director of Peak Valley Housing Association, said: "For some time now, we have been working with other agencies to persuade her to move to a property better suited to her mobility needs.

"However, until very recently Mrs Askew remained adamant that she wished to remain in the property where she was close to local amenities.

"Within the last two weeks, however, our housing officer and the local police managed to persuade Mrs Askew to apply for a new home in Hattersley that would better meet her mobility issues."

Greater Manchester Police said the move was not related to anti-social behaviour but because of Mrs Askew's detiorating health and because the new home did not have stairs.