A CORONER has voiced serious concerns about "insufficient checks" to prevent "vulnerable individuals" from buying hazardous items online following the death of a man involving cyanide.

Richard Middleton, assistant coroner for Dorset, has said "urgent action" should be taken to prevent future deaths after he oversaw the inquest of Kristiyan Petrov Danailov.

Mr Danailov was found dead in the bedroom of his family home in Saffron Way, Bournemouth, on July 28 last year.

A safe location could not be found to carry out a post mortem after the first paramedic to attend the 21-year-old's home spotted a tub containing an unusual, crystal-like substance, which he saw had 'cyanide' listed as on one of the ingredients listed.

The Hazardous Area Response Team were called to remove the body.

It was not possible to carry out an autopsy as cyanide releases a dangerous gas, hydrogen cyanide, when mixed with fluids. However, pathologists were able to provide a cause of death as consistent with cyanide poisoning.

After recording a verdict of suicide at the Bournemouth inquest in September, Mr Middleton has now published his observations through a regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths.

It said: "During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken."

The report went on to say: "There appears to be insufficient checks carried out as to the identity of the prospective customer before hazardous items are sent out in the post. What obstacles are in place to prevent vulnerable individuals purchasing such items?

"Are members of the industry aware of the potential risks when dealing with customers over the internet?"

The inquest heard Mr Danailov posed as a business to buy the fatal substance online.

His mother Elena told the hearing her son had recently been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.

Since the inquest, she has called on the Government to implement stricter controls on purchasing hazardous products.

Mr Middleton's report has been sent to the Chemical Business Association, the Health and Safety Executive and the Government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, although the latter forwarded the matter on to the Home Office.

A Home Office spokeswoman said the department is aware of the coroner's correspondence and will respond in due course. She added that guidance on licensing for home users of poisons and explosive precursors can be found on the Home Office website.

Peter Newport, chief executive of the Chemical Business Association, said Mr Danailov's death was a very tragic event and his thoughts are with his family and friends.

He added it is believed both the manufacturing and supply firms involved in the acquisition of the fatal substance are not members of the association.

The Daily Echo contacted the Health and Safety Executive but had not received a statement at the time of going to print.

Formal responses must be sent to the coroner by Monday, November 18, unless he issues an extension.

Samaritans can be contacted free of charge, 24 hours a day, on 116 123.