The parents of an Essex student discovered dead in an African jungle are still searching for answers as to how he died.

And following Daniel Saer's mysterious death more than 12 months ago, the couple, from Bures, near Colchester, warned that other adventurers may be putting their lives at risk by becoming volunteers abroad.

After gaining his environmental science BSc, Daniel, 22, decided to spend three months working in Tanzania.

But three weeks after setting out, his body was found in dense undergrowth after becoming separated from friends on a jungle trail.

His heartbroken parents Ken and Cathy are still trying to find out how he died. Mrs Saer, 50, said: "We were happy that he was going with an organised holiday company and not back-packing on his own."

She added: "They were supposed to look after him. But he died alone and probably in pain and we had to bring back his ashes in an urn.

"He was the firm's responsibility and we trusted them to take care of him."

Mrs Saer said she was concerned because other youngsters travelling to exotic places may not be aware of the risks they faced.

A post mortem examination in Africa and tests carried out in Britain have failed to uncover the cause of Daniel's death.

Mrs Saer said: "There were no signs that he had been attacked and foul play was ruled out but there were marks on his arm and he might have been bitten by a poisonous snake."

Mr Saer, 56, added: "We have been trying for a year to get the truth and we feel we have been fobbed off."

London-based Frontier, which sends out 250 youngsters a year to Africa, said negligence had not played a part in Daniel's death.

Managing director Eilbleis Fanning said: "We believe we fully prepare and brief the students before they go out and even try to put them off.

"They are warned of dangers like malaria and dehydration and know they will be living in very basic conditions. We feel we have been as supportive of the Saer family as we can and that our response has been appropriate."

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