A pensioner has died after being nipped by a pet dog.

Peter Harding's skin was broken by the bite and he began to feel unwell, an inquest was told.

Area coroner Deborah Archer said 71 year old Peter went to a Minor Injuries Unit who recommended he saw his GP.

The opening of the Exeter inquest today (Thursday, October 15) heard he was prescribed antibiotics but he continued to feel unwell.

The coroner said an ambulance was called and married Peter, of Aveton Gifford, south Devon, was taken to Plymouth's Derriford Hospital.

But despite treatment his condition deteriorated and the retired carpenter died on October 9th.

The cause of death has been given as multi organ failure, septic shock and a dog bite.

The inquest has been adjourned.