Peter Gurney
Response Status
Report Content
Coroner
I am Penelope SCHOFIELD, Senior Coroner, for the coroner area of West Sussex, Brighton and Hove.
Legal Powers
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DATE OF REPORT 06 May 2026
Legal Powers
I make this report under paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013.
Your Response
Your response must contain details of action taken or proposed to be taken, setting out the timetable for action. Otherwise, you must explain why no action is proposed. I have a duty to send a copy of your response to the Chief Coroner. In accordance with the Chief Coroner’s Publication Policy, you should send me any representations regarding publication of your response. These representations should be made at the same time as the response is provided. I will pass any representations received to the Chief Coroner for a decision. Please note any links to webpages included in the response will not be checked for sensitive information prior to publication, as the information is already online . The names of those who do not respond to PFD reports are regularly published on the Chief Coroner’s webpages Non-responses to Prevention of Future Death (PFD) reports – Courts and Tribunals Judiciary .
Action Required
SUMMARY OF CORONER’S CONCERN The MOD is aware that there are current concerns around the possible link between exposure to Nitrobenzene and other explosives and bladder cancer. The has been no warning provided to either active or past employees who were actively involved in dealing with explosives devices, and who have been subject to such exposure, that they should consider getting tested.
Action Required
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In my opinion unless action is taken to address the above concerns then there is a significant risk of future deaths and I believe each of you have the power to take such action.
Investigation and Inquest
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On 29 September 2025 I commenced an investigation into the death of Peter Edwin Spencer GURNEY aged 93. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 06 May 2026. The conclusion of the inquest was a narrative conclusion namely “Mr Gurney died of heart failure contributed to by other co- morbidities including terminal bladder cancer.”
Details
- Report Date
- 6 May 2026
- Coroner
- Penelope Schofield
- Coroner Area
- West Sussex, Brighton and Hove
- Reference
- 2026-0261
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