An internal inquiry has been established amid claims a Birkenhead man hanged himself shortly after losing a benefits payment, MPs have heard.

Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd said she was taking the case "very seriously" and confirmed her department is investigating.

Independent Frank Field, chairman of the Work and Pensions Committee, said: "Can I ask the Secretary of State about my constituent who hanged himself shortly after losing his personal independence payment?

"I wrote to her about it asking whether she would establish an inquiry, whether an inquiry would be independent, whether an inquiry would be headed by somebody who knows something about this area, whether it'd report in three months and whether the inquiry report would then be made public."

Ms Rudd replied: "I take very seriously this case and I do have the letter from (Mr Field).

"At the moment we're doing an internal inquiry and if (Mr Field) will leave that with me, if there's anything additional required I will come and talk to him about it."

Personal Independence Payments are available to people affected by long term ill-health or disability.