Peter Edwin Spencer GURNEY · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 29 September 2025 I commenced an investigation into the death of Peter Edwin Spencer GURNEY aged 93. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 06 May 2026. The conclusion of the inquest was a narrative conclusion namely "Mr Gurney died of heart failure contributed to by other co-morbidities including terminal bladder cancer."

On the 19th September 2025 Mr Gurney had an unwitnessed fall in the garden of his home address. This fall is believed to have been from standing height and caused by heart failure. He was found by his neighbour unresponsive. Paramedics attended and Mr Gurney was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. Mr Gurney had a known history of falls and co-morbidities, including terminal bladder cancer diagnosed in November 2024. Mr Gurney had had a distinguished career serving in the Army and the Metropolitan Police as an explosives officer. During this time he had been exposed to Nitrobenezene and other explosives. However it remains unclear as to whether or not this exposure was linked to his bladder cancer.

The MOD is aware that there are current concerns around the possible link between exposure to Nitrobenzene and other explosives and bladder cancer. The MOD has been aware of this for some time. Evidence heard at the Inquest was that neither active or past employees, who have been subject to this exposure through their work , have been warned to get tested. Unfortunately by the time Mr Gurney realised he had bladder cancer the disease had taken hold and it had become inoperable.