An Albanian asylum seeker died on board the Bibby Stockholm barge as a result of compression of the neck, an inquest has heard.

Leonard Farruku, 27, was found unresponsive on board the vessel at Portland Port in Dorset on 12 December.

Coroner Rachael Griffin said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death as she opened his inquest in Bournemouth on Thursday.

Outlining the circumstances, she said: “He was a single gentleman and he was unemployed at the time of his death.

“Police and paramedics had been called to reports of an unresponsive male. The gentleman was confirmed deceased at the scene.

“There is no evidence of third-party involvement or suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.”

The opening heard that his body was identified by his cousin Maranglen Farruku at the Holly Tree Lodge mortuary in Bournemouth. He is now being supported by Dorset Police officers.

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A post-mortem examination revealed the cause of death, she added.

Ms Griffin said she will be requesting full statements from the Home Office, Port of Portland Authority, Bibby Stockholm security providers Isca, Bibby Stockholm operators Landry and King, and Dorset Council.

Home Secretary James Cleverly has already said Mr Farruku’s death will be “fully” investigated.

Barge costing government £2.45m

It was revealed in a letter to MPs last week that the barge, which was moved to Portland to house asylum seekers who arrive in the UK, has cost £2.45m.

It has capacity for up to 500 single men across approximately 200 bedrooms.

The vessel was originally due to house asylum seekers in August but was evacuated after a few days due to an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease.

Residents re-boarded two months later, with 200 believed to be living there by November.

Mr Farruku’s inquest was adjourned until 9 July next year.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

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