A MAN who suffered a heart attack in the rear of an ambulance involved in an accident died of natural causes, an inquest heard yesterday.

Leslie Franklin, 60, of Cotherstone Road, Stockton, who had lung cancer and a history of heart problems, was being treated for breathing difficulties when the collision happened at the junction of Oxbridge Avenue and Bishopton Road West in the town.

The hearing heard the ambulance, driven by Peter McParland, was on its way to the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton.

A Vauxhall Astra driven by Jonathan Westerby was in collision with the ambulance.

Mr Franklin went into cardiac arrest minutes after the accident.

Paramedic Brian English, who was treating Mr Franklin, jumped out of the vehicle to check no one had been injured but said he gave the patient his full attention.

Pathologist Christopher Rettman said: "In my opinion, the accident that the ambulance was involved in did not participate in him dying. He was already in the process of dying."

Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield recorded a verdict of death due to natural causes as a result of heart disease and lung cancer.

He said: "I am satisfied there was no neglect in medical attention."