An investigation is being carried out into the care of a mental health patient who murdered a pensioner in Bristol.

Stephen Newton stabbed 75-year-old Philip Hendy near his Greenbank home in April 2007. He died in hospital nine days later.

Newton was found guilty of murder at Bristol Crown Court last December.

The court heard that Newton had suffered delusions prior to the incident and had been known to mental health services for 15 years.

NHS South West has launched an independent inquiry into the incident to see if any lessons can be learnt from the way Newton's case was handled prior to the murder.

The regional body has a duty to commission investigations into the care and treatment of mental health service users who are convicted of killing.

An investigation manager based in Cornwall has been appointed and people with information about Mr Hendy or Newton have been encouraged to contact them.

Suzannah Marsh, spokeswoman for Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, which runs services in the Bristol area, said: "The trust carried out its own internal investigation, as is standard practice, and always learns from cases such as this.

"An independent panel has been appointed by the strategic health authority and its review is under way.

"AWP is co-operating fully with the review and is committed to implementing any recommendations arising from it."

People with information that could help the review can contact Rae Wallin at 27 Sheviock Lane, Crafthole, Cornwall PL11 3DF, or call 01503 230220.