A Bradford couple have been awarded legal aid to investigate a criminal negligence claim against a hospital where their two-year-old son died.

Suhaib Imran died at Bradford Royal Infirmary two years ago when he suffered a cardiac arrest after his breathing tube became blocked. At the time the youngster was not being continuously monitored by nursing staff.

Bradford Coroner Roger Whittaker recorded a verdict of misadventure at Suhaib's inquest earlier this month and said it was clear he had been carefully looked after by staff.

But Suhaib's parents, Mohammed Imran, 33, and Shenaz Begum, 31, of Japonica Way, Laisterdyke, said they were unhappy with the verdict and were considering the possibility of civil action.

Now the couple's lawyers have asked an independent paediatric intensive nursing consultant to investigate.

Solicitor Nick Ward-Lowery said the expert would produce a report on the standard of care Suhaib received at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI).

Mr Ward-Lowery said: "The family has been granted legal aid to investigate a criminal negligence claim under the Fatal Accident Act, which allows a claim for bereavement damages in respect of children."

He said the independent consultant's report, which would take several weeks to prepare, would decide whether the family would continue their case.

He added: "If the consultant says the standard of care was deficient, the next step would be to write a letter of complaint to the hospital."

Mr Ward-Lowery said that if the family pursued civil action they could claim about £10,000 from a bereavement award, the cost of funeral expenses and pain and suffering before the death.

Suhaib spent most of his life in hospital after he was born with a neurological disorder.

His parents were able to care for him at home for a while after he was fitted with a tracheostomy tube and they learned how to clean and change it.

But he was admitted to BRI in November 2001 after suffering a chest infection. He was given antibiotics and kept under constant observation but it was decided to monitor him intermittently when his condition appeared to improve.

When his parents visited him they found him cold to the touch and his oxygen tube was on the floor.

Desperate efforts by staff to revive him were in vain.

After the inquest a spokesman for Bradford NHS Hospitals Trust said practices had been reviewed following Suhaib's death and children with breathing tubes were now monitored continuously. He added the Trust welcomed the coroner's comments that the hospital and staff did all they could for Suhaib.