Man dies after using barbecue in camper van in New Forest

Stock photo: Rex

A man has died after inhaling fumes from a disposable barbecue he used inside his camper van during a trip to the New Forest.

Nicholas Holmes was staying on his own at the Hollands Wood campsite at Brockenhurst in the New Forest, Hampshire.

Det Sgt Hedley, from the Hampshire police, told the BBC: "The scene would suggest he had cooked an evening meal with two burgers and baps.

"It would then appear he closed the rear doors and allowed the barbecue to burn out."
A verdict of accidental death was recorded at an inquest in Southampton this week.

Deputy Coroner for Southampton and the New Forest Gordon Denson told the Telegraph: ''I am satisfied that Nicholas' death was an unforeseen and tragic accident in that he was unaware of the dangers of a lighted BBQ in a confined space which produces a situation where carbon monoxide is present."

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Holmes' father Philip paid tribute to his son and appealed to people to take heed of the coroner's warning.

The 52-year-old, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, said: ''He was a sensitive, bright, intelligent young man who we are going to miss very much.

''He died as a result of a tragic accident.

''It seems the public are all too unaware of the dangers of these disposable BBQs.

''They spew out carbon monoxide for 12 hours after they have been used and there have been numerous cases of people losing their lives or nearly losing their lives.

''It seems to me the public needs to be more aware and there are awareness campaigns going on which we support to prevent more needless loss of life.''

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