A criminal investigation has been launched amid claims a man was so badly neglected by carers he was found with maggots growing in his open wounds.

Police today confirmed they are investigating an allegation of neglect after the 58-year-old man was found at his home in Feltham requiring urgent medical attention.

His sister claims he was meant to be receiving daily visits from carers. She has demanded answers from Hounslow Council 's social services department about how his health was allowed to deteriorate so badly.

"He's an alcoholic and he has fits, and he was supposed to be getting daily welfare checks," she said.

"He appears to have had a seizure and ended up on the floor where he was left for several days. When he was found he had maggots coming out of his open wounds."

A police spokesman said officers had found the man, who getwestlondon has chosen not to name, on August 2 after being called to the property by London Ambulance Service. He was taken to a west London hospital, where he is still being treated.

"An investigation into the circumstances of his medical condition has been launched by Hounslow Police, in partnership with Hounslow Council," added the spokesman.

Hounslow Council leader Steve Curran said: "As this is an on-going police investigation we cannot comment specifically. However, I can assure residents we are taking these claims extremely seriously and we will be giving every assistance to the police in their investigation."