A man died after a balloon containing cocaine burst inside his body, a Bradford inquest heard.

Fifteen more balloons, all of them intact, were found inside the stomach and intestines of 36-year-old Barry Grundell.

The hearing was told that Mr Grundell had lived in Spain for the past 11 years but was staying overnight with his brother in Trafalgar Road, Dewsbury, last weekend when he died.

Coroner's officer Peter Rose said: "It is clear Mr Grundell was involved in the unlawful importation of prohibited drugs.'' Further tests are being carried out to establish what was in the other balloons.

Mr Rose said Mr Grundell, who had not visited Britain for three years, arrived at Manchester Airport last Friday and went out for a drink with his brother, Terry.

He complained of feeling sick and constipated, and actually vomited.

He was seen to take two laxative tablets before going to the home of another brother, Michael, where he again complained of feeling unwell.

Next day his brother took his children to football practice and when he returned he discovered his brother was not breathing.

An ambulance was called, but paramedics found he was dead.

A post mortem examination was halted when a number of balloons were found inside his stomach.

A Home Office pathologist continued the examination and found a total of 16 balloons. "The one that had burst contained cocaine,'' said Mr Rose.

Coroner Roger Whittaker adjourned the inquest and agreed to release the body for a funeral.

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