An inquest has heard that a Suffolk man's time in the Royal Navy could have contributed to his death.

Clifford Rush from Bury St Edmunds, was 86 when he died in the town in December 2020.

A the time of his death Mr Rush was living with a diagnosis of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a lung condition which causes shortness of breath and chest pain. It is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres into the lungs.

The inquest heard that Mr Rush had been admitted to West Suffolk Hospital several times in November as a result of his worsening condition.

He was finally released from the hospital on December 4 to a care home.

He died three days later.

The inquest heard that the disease may have been caused by exposure to asbestos during his 18-year long service in the Royal Navy.

The inquest was opened and adjourned to be heard on March 8, 2021.