Millionaire's death sparks poison scare

Sir Derek Bibby was suffering from leukaemia

A hospital's casualty department had to be shut down after a shipping magnate took his own life by consuming a toxic chemical.

Sir Derek Bibby, 80, was found at his home in Willaston in Cheshire on Wednesday afternoon.

Fire crews were called to the scene because poisonous fumes were coming off his body.

Sir Derek - who was suffering from leukaemia - had swallowed a chemical, thought to be the garden pesticide aluminium phosphide.

Five hospital workers were treated for minor symptoms

He was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, but was certified to be dead on arrival

The accident and emergency department was then sealed off to stop patients and staff breathing in poisonous fumes.

Five members of staff suffered minor breathing problems.

Cheshire Police say they were not treating the death as suspicious.

Sir Derek was president of the Bibby Group which includes the shipping firm Bibby Line.

The 200-year-old family business, which includes logistics and financial services, is based in Liverpool but has offices around the world.

A spokesman for the Bibby family said: "Sir Derek Bibby had been ill with leukaemia for some time and was having blood transfusions every two weeks.

"He took the decision to stop these transfusions five weeks ago.

"As his health and energy deteriorated he decided to end his life. He was a very proud and strong-willed individual who was not afraid of death.

"The family would like to offer its sincere thanks to the fire brigade, police and hospital staff."