Probe launched after death of woman, 72, linked to silver poisoning

Linda Stuchfield died in Blackpool Victoria Hospital in 2021 after being admitted with illness following her return from a holiday in Cornwall with her new partner.

A Home Office post mortem revealed her cause of death was a bowel infarction but it also showed possible evidence of silver toxicity poisoning.

An inquest review hearing at Blackpool Town Hall five years after Ms Stuchfield’s death heard a Lancashire Police investigation is ongoing and further toxicology tests are being done by a senior pathologist to discover how and why the silver toxicity poisoning was present.

The National Library of Medicine says silver toxicity is a rare condition. The most notable feature is a grey-blue discoloration of the skin, argyria, although harmful effects on the liver and kidney may be seen in severe cases. Neurological symptoms are an unusual consequence of silver toxicity. So far no effective treatment has been found for this metal overdose.

Blackpool and Fylde senior coroner Alan Wilson reported that Home Office patholost Dr Alison Armour was continuing to work on the case.

While Det Supt John McNamara, from Blackpool Police, confirmed to the review hearing that police investigations were still continuing.

The coroner was told the police investigations have included looking into the medical records of a previous late partner of Ms Stuchfield’s partner.

Mr Wilson said that he was unable to hold an inquest until it was known whether the matter was to be the subject of a criminal prosecution.

He said another review would take place in three months’ time and that he would set another date in the diary for either a further review or an inquest depending on the circumstances.

“It is important we give the police and Dr Armour adequate time to look fully into the matter,” he said.