A builder who died from cancer could have been exposed to dangerous substances at work.

David Hicks, 55, of Woodmancote Road, Worthing, died a week after being diagnosed with liver angiosarcoma, a rare malignant tumour of the blood vessels.

Substances such as vinyl chloride are known to cause the cancer but it can develop more than 30 years after exposure.

Worthing Law Courts heard how Mr Hicks had been a builder for most of his working life.

His wife Serena Hicks, 54, described how he had worked with various materials, including timber preservation products.

She said: "There was nothing specific. He was using everything in the early days. They didn't have the precautions which are now in place."

Mr Hicks's health deteriorated last summer. On April 8 this year he went to his doctor suffering from jaundice and was admitted to Worthing Hospital ten days later.

He was provisionally diagnosed with angiosarcoma and died on April 30.

Dr Jeremy Grant, consultant pathologist at Worthing Hospital, said the tumour was at such an advanced stage there would have been no possible cure.

He said the commonest causes were being exposed to the plastic-making industry, arsenic compounds, copper in some pesticides or some steroids.

Mr Hicks's son Chris, who has researched the disease, asked the pathologist several questions.

He said: "In terms of arsenics and copper, I feel there is a very good likelihood he used these products in his youth."

Coroner Roger Stone said: "I hope having the opportunity of speaking with the pathologist may help you come to terms with some events.

"We are not sure how or why this disease affected Mr Hicks."

He said he wanted to leave the door open for the family in case any new evidence came to light.

He recorded an open verdict.