Police sued over dead body stress

The men were being ferried by helicopter from a drilling platform

A coroner's officer left traumatised by dealing with dead bodies has issued a writ against Norfolk police.

Brian Sweales, of Acle, Norfolk, has launched legal action over claims he suffered stress following the North Sea helicopter tragedy in July 2002.

Mr Sweales was involved in an investigation into the deaths of 11 people killed when a Sikorsky helicopter crashed off Great Yarmouth.

He is claiming compensation, saying he received insufficient support.

A Norfolk police spokesman said: "The Sikorsky helicopter tragedy, which occurred in 2002, was a truly traumatic incident for all of those involved.

I can confirm a writ has been issued by Brian Sweales against Norfolk Constabulary Her Majesty's Court Service spokesman

"A claim has been lodged against the constabulary and, because it is on-going, we are not in a position to comment any further at this time."

A spokesman for Her Majesty's Courts Service said: "I can confirm a writ has been issued by Brian Sweales against Norfolk Constabulary. The writ was issued earlier this month."

Mr Sweales declined to comment.

The crash happened while the men were being ferried between North Sea drilling platforms off Great Yarmouth.

The helicopter, operated by Norwich Bristow Helicopters, was transporting Shell offshore workers between rigs when it crashed about 28 miles north east of Cromer, as it was approaching the Santa Fe Monarch Rig.

A report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) concluded it crashed after one of its main rotor blades failed.