A CORONER has issued a strong warning about the hidden dangers of injecting drugs.

Alan Walsh, assistant deputy coroner, spoke out at the inquest of a Horwich man killed by a blood infection believed to have entered his system through needle puncture wounds.

The inquest was told that David Yates, aged 36, had a previous history of deep vein thrombosis which stemmed from injecting heroin in his groin.

He was admitted to the Royal Bolton Hospital in March six days before he died with severe swelling to his left leg but was twice sent home.

The inquest yesterday was told that a series of tests had been inconclusive but that the swelling had appeared to go down during that time.

But his condition deteriorated rapidly as the blood infection strepoccocal septicaemia spread throughout his body.

Recording a verdict of misadventure, Mr Walsh said he believed the illness was an accidental consequence of Mr Yates' long-term injection of heroin.

He said: "I do believe a warning has to be given about the consequences of using drugs, particularly heroin.

"Not only are there direct consequences but it can cause deep vein thrombosis and infection that perhaps those who use the drugs didn't consider at the time.

"Those who take drugs should have that sounded loud and clear in their minds."

The inquest was told that Mr Yates had once been honoured as the top apprentice in Bolton but had started using drugs after he was made redundant when Horwich Loco Works closed.

He found work as a double glazing salesman but began taking heroin when he was about 23.

His father, Benjamin Yates, told the inquest he believed his son was making genuine efforts to conquer the drug for about four years before his death.

"I was beginning to trust him," he said. "He was working seven days a week and his lifestyle was not that which you would expect of a drug addict."

Consultant Dr Joanna Ryan said: "We were very sad that such a young and charming man had died so quickly."

Mr Yates' parents were too upset to speak after the inquest.