THE bombing of the Grand hotel remains one of the most devastating scenes in Brighton's history.

Emergency service workers risked their lives in the rescue effort, dozens of people were injured and five tragically died.

But it wasn't until thirty one years later that the Brighton bomb claimed its sixth victim.

Police officer Jonathan Woods was one of the first on the scene in 1984.

He may not have lost his life that day but he was later diagnosed with mesothelioma - an incurable lung cancer - which was caused by inhaling asbestos fibres in the aftermath of bomb.

Last year, he tragically died.

His death was followed by Sussex Police releasing a statement in June warning other emergency personnel, and anyone who was close to the hotel, that they could also be at risk of asbestos contamination.

Clearly this would have been extremely concerning for anyone who might have been affected to hear.

What is even more concerning, as we report today, is that Sussex Police knew of the alarmingly high levels of asbestos at the time.

According to documents obtained by Freedom of Information laws, the levels of the lethal substance were recorded on police logs.

Despite this, a total of 30 police officers picked through dust in the basement of the hotel for two weeks afterwards.

It has also emerged that some did so without the adequate equipment to protect themselves.

Serious questions remain unanswered about why police, when they knew about the levels of asbestos, did not pass this on to those concerned.

There are also serious questions around why everybody at the scene was not properly protected.

What is the most devastating about these revelations is that these emergency workers were not trying to save lives. They were looking for evidence after the attack in an attempt to bring those responsible to justice.

Yet it was their own lives which they were putting at risk, unbeknown to them but not to the force who they worked for.