A delivery driver who had surgery on his knee after falling down steps at home died two weeks later from a post-operation complication.

A Bradford inquest heard yesterday how 59-year-old Philip Humpherson developed a deep vein thrombosis because of his immobility.

Mr Humpherson of Navigation Drive, Apperley Bridge, had undergone successful surgery for a ruptured tendon in his left knee at Bradford Royal Infirmary and had been back since for a check-up, being told by doctors it was all fine.

The only problem had been that he had contracted MRSA diagnosed by a nasal swab, but that had not contributed to his death in any way, the inquest was told.

Two weeks after the operation to repair the ruptured tendon, Mr Humpherson had been at home in bed when he started to struggle to breathe. He rung his step-daughter in her room to tell her he needed help. She then ran into his room and thought he was having a heart attack, the inquest heard.

She called 999 and tried to resuscitate him until paramedics arrived, but he could not be revived.

The deep vein thrombosis led to a pulmonary embolism when the blood clot travelled from his leg, blocking the main artery to his lung, a post-mortem examination found.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Acting Bradford Coroner Professor Paul Marks said Mr Humpherson had been a fit man before he fell down steps injuring his knee.

“Sadly he died with a complication of surgery and immobility,” he said.