A SOUTHAMPTON man is believed to have died in hospital from an industrial disease, an inquest heard.

David Thomas, 82, of Winsor Road, Winsor, died at Southampton General Hospital on March 6.

The brief hearing at Winchester Coroner's Court heard Mr Thomas had a lifetime of working with asbestos and being exposed to it.

He was admitted to hospital on February 27 and remained there until his death.

A post mortem by pathologist Dr Victoria Elliot provided a preliminary cause of death as bronchopneumonia due to biphasic malignant mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. Ischemic heart disease was also listed as a contributing factor.

Acting area coroner Samantha Marsh adjourned the inquest until November 13.