AN ex-docker died as a result of asbestos poisoning, a coroner has ruled.

Michael Stack, 77, of Walton, worked at the Royal Docks in London during the 1950s, when workers handled asbestos without masks or gloves.

On November 17 last year he was admitted to Colchester General Hospital with shortness of breath and died six days later of a pulmonary thromboembolism and ischemic heart disease.

Coroner Eleanor McGann said he had died as the result of an industrial accident, following an inquest in Chelmsford.

She said: “It must have been a terrible shock for the family – asbestos can lie dormant for decades but for some reason then comes to the fore.

“I do an increasing number of asbestos-related inquests.

“This was an active man, a happy man, and I am sure the family must have many happy memories of their time together before he was struck down.”