A HAMPSHIRE man died of asbestos exposure from his work as an electrician, an inquest heard.

David Wood from Eastleigh developed a "vicious" tumour from his past industrial work, Winchester Coroner's Court heard.

The court heard that Mr Wood, of Camborne Road in Bishopstoke, was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and later died at Royal Hampshire County Hospital on March 26.

In a statement written prior to his death read in court, the 72-year-old said that his work had involved sweeping asbestos dust and that he was never provided with any protective equipment.

"There would be huge clouds of dust around me as I cleared up," he said.

He added that his exposure increased as he progressed up the ranks.

Assistant coroner Sarah Whitby described Mr Wood's tumour as "vicious".

"It seems extraordinary now but we just didn't know at the time. This area sadly does have lots of people who were exposed," she said.

She recorded a verdict of death by industrial disease.