Recording a verdict of death by natural causes, deputy coroner John Gittins said he had to ascertain whether neglect had contributed to John Reid contracting the killer bug.

But he said he was satisfied that necrotising fasciitis spreads extremely rapidly.

Mr Reid, who had alzheimer's disease, was a resident at Nant-y-Gair nursing home in Llay, near Wrexham.

He had contracted bed sores after two spells in hospital and his condition was being monitored by staff.

While it was known that he was poorly there was no suggestion that he was going to die.

Pathologist Dr Anthony Burdge said the necrotising fasciitis bug could spread within 12 -24 hours.

He said the bacteria was present in the air and bed sores sometimes provided the conditions for the infection to develop.