Loved Ones Join With Lawyers To Appeal For Police Station Information

The devastated family of a former policeman from Beverley who died from an asbestos-related disease earlier this year have launched an appeal for information from his former colleagues as they seek answers regarding how he came to develop the illness.

Raymond Harrod, who lived in Lincolnshire and Beverley and worked in Hull throughout his life, died aged 69 in May just two months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma – the cancer of the lining of the lung caused by exposure to asbestos decades ago.

Prior to his death, Raymond instructed asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he was exposed to the material. Following his death his widow Kathleen, who was married to him for 48 years, has joined with the experts to call for former colleagues who worked at police stations across the city to provide vital evidence regarding working conditions at the sites.

Lawyers at the firm are particularly keen to hear from anyone with knowledge of the Queen’s Garden Station – which was also known as Central – in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as those who worked at the Priory Road Station across the same period.

Expert Opinion

“Asbestos is the biggest occupational killer of all time and this case is not the first of its kind we have seen, having helped other former police officers in the Hull area to take successful legal action regarding asbestos-related diseases they have developed.

“Exposure to the material is most commonly associated with industrial environments or construction, but we are seeing a growing number of cases in which those who have developed mesothelioma or related illnesses have come into contact with the material in public buildings.

“Any information that former colleagues of Mr Harrod can provide could prove vital in our efforts to ensure his family can secure access to the vital support they deserve following his tragic death.” Ian Toft - Partner

Kathleen Harrod, 67, from Molescroft in Beverley said: “Raymond was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather and we are all absolutely devastated by his passing and miss him so much every single day.

“The illness was so swift, with his first symptoms emerging at the start of the year, the diagnosis coming in March and then his condition deteriorating massively up until his death in May. We are still in shock really.

“While the nature of police work means that many of Raymond’s colleagues moved around a lot from station to station, any information that they can provide regarding the presence of asbestos at either Queen’s Garden Station or Priory Road Station in particularly could be a huge help in our legal battle for justice.”

Anyone who either worked with Mr Harrod or has specific information about conditions at either Queen’s Garden Station or Priory Road Station should contact Ian Toft at Irwin Mitchell on 0113 218 6453 or email ian.toft@irwinmitchell.com.

If you or a loved one has been affected by an asbestos related illness, our solicitors can help you to claim compensation. See our Asbestos Claims page for more information.