A RETIRED police officer died from lung cancer after coming into contact with asbestos through work, an inquest heard.

Neil Taylor worked for Staffordshire Police for more than 30 years, but died in September after breathing difficulties and being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

An inquest into his death yesterday heard Mr Taylor, of High Lane, Burslem, regularly came into contact with asbestos at Hanley police station and at fire arms training camps in Swynnerton and Marchington, where he would attend refresher courses.

Mesothelioma, a type of lung disease, is known as an asbestos-related cancer.

Mr Taylor, aged 72, who retired at 59, was diagnosed with it after suffering breathing difficulties last summer. He died in September 10.

The inquest heard that he is not the first former police officer to die as a result of exposure to asbestos in the police force in North Staffordshire. One witness statement read out from former work colleague John Wowra, who was employed by the force for 29 years, said the Hanley station was "riddled with asbestos".

Mr Taylor's cause of death was given as malignant mesothelioma and coroner Ian Smith recorded a verdict that he died as a result of industrial disease. Mr Smith said: "Mesothelioma is almost universally contracted from asbestos exposure."