THE family of a Poole man killed in a motorbike crash in Cambodia are still searching for answers nearly a year after he died.

Phil Powell was alone when his bike crashed into a stone wall in the Sihanouk Province, in the west of the country in October last year.

An inquest was opened into his death in Bournemouth in February and since then the Dorset coroner’s office has been trying to find out more information about the accident.

At a pre-inquest review yesterday, coroner Rachael Griffin said she has only “limited information” but said she will continue to try to find out exactly what happened.

But she warned Mr Powell’s father, Michael, that further information may not be forthcoming because she has no jurisdiction overseas and that details of deaths abroad are notoriously difficult to come by.

Mr Powell died when his Airblade motorcycle crashed and it is not known whether there were any witnesses.

He had been living in Cambodia for two years after falling in love with the country when he travelled there to help build a children’s playhouse at an orphanage.

Following his death, Mr Powell’s family paid tribute to him, describing him as “ever-smiling” and “warm-hearted.”

Born in South Wales, he moved with his family - mum Maureen, dad Michael John and sister Emma - to Poole when he was seven. He went to Seldown Secondary Boys School before moving to Ashdown School.

He worked as a carpenter and was also known as an entertainer, who could juggle and took part in flame-throwing and fire-breathing.

His aunt, Frances Smith, called him a “charmer” and added: “He had the gift of the gab. He was always smiling. He was so laid back, just a very nice young man.”

Emma’s son Joshua, 19, said Phil “lived every second as though it was his last” - a mantra he told his nephew to live by.

The inquest was adjourned until February to allow for further attempts to find out what happened.

Mrs Griffin said she would contact the Foreign and Commonwealth office.