AN investigation is under way into the sudden death of a patient at a Sunderland mental hospital.
Keven George Knowles, 29, of Sunderland, was found dead in his bedroom at Cherry Knowle Hospital, Ryhope, at 5.30am, on October 8.
A post-mortem examination has proved inconclusive, but police said there were no suspicious circumstances at this stage.
Detectives at Sunderland West CID are conducting an inquiry on behalf of the city's coroner.
Detective Inspector Brian Young said police were waiting for the results of toxicology reports.
Staff at the hospital will be questioned as a matter of routine during the investigation, which is expected to last three weeks.
Det Insp Young said: "There is no evidence to suggest he met a violent death.
"An inquest will determine the cause of death and our job is to provide evidence for that inquest. We are keeping an open mind."
Alan Hall, chief executive of Priority Healthcare Wearside, said: "I can confirm there has been a request from the coroner, which is a routine procedure following a sudden death.
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