NHS chiefs have launched an investigation after a family claimed a doctor refused to visited their disabled son two days before he was found dead.

Steven Nolan, from Botley, Oxford, suffered with Muscular Dystrophy – a disease which affects and weakens the muscles – and was struck down with a flu-like illness after Christmas.

The 24-year-old’s family said they called for a doctor to visit on Wednesday, December 29, but said the GP refused to come out.

Two days later, on the morning of New Year’s Eve, his 20-year-old brother Darrell, who shared a flat with Steven in Nursery Close, could not wake him.

James Kelly, who cared for Steven after his biological father died, said: “We called the doctor when Steven became ill.

“We said we needed someone to come out, but were told that nobody would be.

“That night he and Darrell went to bed as usual.

“But then when he woke up on the morning of New Year’s Eve, Darrell called me to say that Steven was cold, and that he could not wake Steven up.

“He just could not say the actual words.”

Mr Kelly, of Pinnocks Way, Botley, said it is thought mucus on a lung had caused breathing problems.

Last night NHS Oxfordshire, the county’s health authority which is responsible for GPs, confirmed that it was investigating the incident.

A spokeswoman added: “The PCT is in liaison with the family and investigating their complaint.

“We are unable to make any further comment at this stage due to the on-going investigation.”

Mr Kelly said a doctor had called back to say Steven should come by taxi to the surgery if he was ill, but actually called the family home by mistake.

He said he became a father to Mr Nolan when his natural father Paul Nolan died in 1992.

The 36-year-old died after an attack outside Dean Court Social Club, in Botley.

Last night Mr Kelly paid tribute to his beloved son.

Mr Kelly said: “Steven had a heart as big as this country. Anybody he knew, he would do anything for.

“If you go down to the parade in Botley, and go into any shop, and around to all the people, you will hear the same.

“Ask anyone and they will tell you what a big heart he had. When he died, 30 to 40 people left flowers outside his flat.

“His death has just left so much of a hole in our hearts, and nothing will be able to fill it.

“We miss him so very, very much. We would give anything to have him back with us.”