Sussex Police is working with ambulance and fire colleagues to
trace those who worked at the scene of the Brighton bombing in
1984

It is possible that they may have been potentially exposed to
asbestos within debris of The Grand hotel.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry, who is leading an
emergency services group co-ordinating the effort, said: “We are
trying to identify and inform emergency service colleagues and
others who may have been exposed to asbestos fibres to offer
medical advice and support.

“I understand that on hearing this news people may be anxious as
to whether they have been exposed to asbestos and concerned about
the possible effects on their health. I would like to emphasise
that the possibility that they have been affected is very small but
I feel it is the right thing to pass this information on.

“People could have potentially been exposed to asbestos fibres
within the hotel debris and while we know that police officers
working at the scene were issued with personal protective
equipment, this was some days after the explosion.

“I feel I have an ethical duty to identify and inform people now
as we have become aware that a Metropolitan police officer, who had
worked at the scene, sadly died from an asbestos-related disease in
December last year. While the chances are small that people were
exposed at any length to asbestos, we want to offer reassurance and
health advice.

“We are sending letters to a number of partner agencies
including the city council, Brighton and Sussex University Hospital
NHS Trust and Conservative Party members as well as local hotels
and businesses. This will let them know that their staff may have
been affected at that time and tell what we are doing to support
our own officers who may be concerned about the possible effects on
their health. “

Sussex Police is offering its officers health information and
support, providing them with a letter to be given to their GP as
well as answers to some questions they might have.

ACC Steve Barry said: “By publicising this issue, I don’t wish
to cause distress but inform people so they can seek health advice
from their GP and to reassure them that the possibility that they
have been affected is very small.”