An investigation by HM Revenue and Customs is under way following the death of a retired labourer from Norwich to find out more about his previous places of work. 

Barrie Pope, of Norwich, died earlier this month after being diagnosed and treated for asbestosis of the lung. 

He was admitted to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital on November 10 after getting a fever.  

He continued to deteriorate in hospital and despite treatment, end-of-life care was put into place. 

The 80-year-old later died there on November 24. 

An inquest into his death was opened by area coroner, Samantha Goward, on December 8 at Norfolk Coroner’s Court at County Hall, Norwich. 

She gave the medical cause of death as pseudomonas sepsis of an unknown source, which is a type of bacteria that can cause sepsis. Mr Pope had also been treated previously for lung cancer. 

A report prepared by HM Revenue and Customs is expected to list Mr Pope's previous places of employment and highlight any concerns relating to asbestos exposure.  

An inquest to confirm the official cause of death will take place at the court on June 25, 2024. 

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