DETECTIVES investigating the death of a patient at a North-East mental hospital are awaiting the results of further medical tests.

The body of 29-year-old Keven Knowles was found by a care assistant at Cherry Knowle Hospital, Ryhope, Sunderland, in October.

Police were called in on the request of the Sunderland coroner after the results of a post-mortem examination proved inconclusive and have submitted an interim report.

A Home Office pathologist is carrying out more tests and officers are awaiting an updated scientific report.

The family of Mr Knowles, from Sunderland, have called for an independent inquiry.