A HAMPSHIRE man died while he was on holiday in Dorset, an inquest heard.

Peter Whittle from Denmead near Waterlooville died after he fell while saying in a holiday cottage with his wife near Dorchester.

Southampton Coroner’s Court heard that the former merchant navy man was taken to hospital when he suffered a head injury.

The 73-year-old was transferred to Southampton General Hospital where he died the following day on May 5 this year.

Consultant pathologist at Southampton General Hospital Dr Mike Walker believed that either a chest infection or heart disease led to his fall.

Senior coroner for Southampton and the New Forest Grahame Short delivered a verdict of accidental death.

He said: “Although the incident itself may have been natural the consequences of that fall was an injury. If he had fallen on carpet he may not have experienced an injury as serious as he did.”