A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after an elderly man died following treatment at a chiropractor clinic.

John Thomas Lawler, 80, lost consciousness during treatment at Chiropractic 1st in The Mount, York, according to his family.

Joan Lawler said her husband had made the routine visit to Chiropractic 1st "for treatment for some lower backache", but had died in hospital the day after he became ill during treatment.

Mr Lawler was taken to York Hospital directly from the clinic, before being transferred to Leeds General Infirmary. However, despite the efforts of doctors, he died the following day.

A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman confirmed officers were called after being "alerted to the sudden death of an 80-year-old man at a chiropractic clinic", on Friday, August 11.

The police spokeswoman said: "An investigation is ongoing to establish the cause of death.

"A 40-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. She has been released under investigation while enquiries continue."

Police would not name the person arrested.

Dr Arleen Scholten from Chiropractic 1st said she had been advised not to comment while investigations continue.

Mrs Lawler paid tribute to her husband of more than five decades, who had worked as a bank manager at Barclays Bank in Parliament Street, York, before his retirement.

She said: "He was a much loved husband, father and an incredible grandfather. We had been married for 55 years, and had three children, and five grandchildren.

"His family and friends were devastated by his sudden death, and we look forward to the precise cause of his death being resolved as quickly as possible."

Mrs Lawler said her husband was "a keen golfer, walker, and all-round sports fan", and had worked for Barclays for 44 years.

The General Chiropractic Council confirmed an investigating committee was held late last month and determined that an interim suspension of Dr Arleen Scholten's chiropractic registration should not be imposed, meaning she is still able to practise.

An inquest into Mr Lawler's death was opened on September 18, and adjourned to a later date.