Carbon monoxide killed hotel guest
A man found dead in a Newquay hotel on Saturday was killed by carbon monoxide poisoning, a post-mortem has revealed.
A post-mortem on the body of the man in his 50s was carried out today after he died at at the St Austell Brewery-owned Great Western Hotel in Newquay, Cornwall.
A statement from Devon and Cornwall Police said: "The post mortem has been completed and the initial findings are that the deceased did die from carbon monoxide poisoning.
"Police officers will now work closely with environmental health officers from Restormel Council to progress this inquiry."
The identity of the victim has yet to be released.
St Austell Brewery has closed the hotel for the time being. It had re-opened six weeks ago after a £1.1m refurbishment.
Ninety-five guests and 12 staff were evacuated from the building after two paramedics reported feeling unwell with symptoms similar to carbon monoxide poisoning.
James Staughton, managing director at St Austell Brewery said: "We are devastated at this tragic incident and the death of one of our guests. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends and we offer them our sincere condolences on their loss.
"Our focus now is to work alongside the police and environmental health officers, to assist them with their investigations, so that we can understand what has happened and for that information to be provided to the guest's family.
"Any decision on reopening the hotel will be taken in conjunction with the authorities. In the meantime we are working with other accommodation providers in Newquay to make alternative arrangements for guests with bookings and we are grateful for their support and understanding."
