A coroner ruled a mystery death was due to natural causes.

Retired watchmaker and jeweller Peter Leach died at Worthing Hospital on January 25.

Coroner Roger Stone, at a hearing on February 20, recorded the 81-year-old from Bath Road, Worthing, died from natural causes after a sudden illness.

His wife Vera, 84, said Mr Leach had woken up at 3am on May 23 and complained of an "air bubble" sensation in his stomach.

Mrs Leach said: "He said there was no pain attached. I thought it was a virus."

The strange feeling continued and the next day Mr Leach found he could not use his legs.

Mrs Leach phoned her son Christopher on May 25.

She said: "I turned round and he (Mr Leach) had this thing, like an electric shock or a fit.

"The ambulance came within minutes, they were wonderful."

Pathologist Dr Mark Appleton said Mr Leach's body showed no signs of heart disease or lung problems.

Certain evidence suggested he had suffered a virus but there was no way to be sure.

Mr Stone said: "I feel it in my bones Mrs Leach was right and he has had some kind of virus that has overwhelmed him."