RELATIVES of an electrician who died from asbestos-related cancer want his former workmates to come forward and help with an investigation into his exposure to the toxic substance.

Barry Walker of Little Hulton, died in July 2015 at the age of 71 just a few months after his mesothelioma diagnosis.

His family say like them he was devastated by the news of his illness and they are continuing to fight for justice after his death.

Mr Walker's children Jacquelyn Whale and Steven Walker have asked expert industrial disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester office to investigate their late father’s exposure to asbestos and find out whether steps could have been taken to prevent his death.

Jacquelyn said: "My dad’s death from this horrible illness was extremely difficult for him and our family.

"It is extremely upsetting to know that his death could have been prevented.

"I can only hope that my dad’s former workmates come forward with any information they have."

Mr Walker's children believe their late father was exposed to asbestos dust and fibres through his employment with CWS Engineering between 1965 and 1967.

He worked on various co-operative sites and industrial premises around Greater Manchester that contained asbestos.

Katrina London, an expert industrial disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: "Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer which is nearly always caused by asbestos exposure.

"The dangers of asbestos have been known for some time now and protective measures should always be taken when workers come into contact with this hazardous material.

"Sadly, no such protection appears to have been provided to Barry and he died very soon after his symptoms began.

"We are asking for his former colleagues to come forward to provide information about the working conditions and asbestos at CWS Engineering.

"We are looking to speak to anyone who worked there between the 1965 and 1967, particularly anyone who remembers asbestos being present."

Anyone who thinks they may be able to help is asked to contact Katrina London at Irwin Mitchell on 0161 838 7262 or Katrina.London@IrwinMitchell.com or Claire McKay at Irwin Mitchell on 0161 838 3181 or Claire.McKay@IrwinMitchell.com