A coroner's jury has returned a verdict of accidental death in the case of a washing machine repairman from Borehamwood, who was electrocuted at work earlier this year.

Peter Roseman, known as John to friends and family, was fixing a washing machine in Sutton Path, Borehamwood, on January 12 this year, when he received an electric shock and collapsed. He was taken to Barnet General Hospital where he died.

A lengthy investigation from the Health and Safety Executive was carried out to determine what had happened and an inquest was held in Hatfield last week.

The inquest heard how Mr Roseman, described as a fit man with more than 30 years professional experience, was called to the home of Sheila and Raymond Hollamby to investigate a problem with their washing machine.

Mr Roseman, who lived in Kenilworth Drive, Borehamwood, turned the washing machine around before he unscrewed the top and attempted to remove pieces of the fan from inside. It was while reaching into the machine that, according to Mrs Hollamby's testimony, he appeared to jump, said, "The power is still on" and then collapsed. Mrs Hollamby then switched off the power at the socket and unplugged the washing machine.

Mohammed Ahmed, the health and safety inspector, told the inquest that extensive tests had been carried out on the appliance and on wiring at the scene, but nothing out of the ordinary has been found.

He said: "The most likely scenario is that the fan had disintegrated and while John was trying to secure the machine using cable ties with one hand, his other hand would have been on the body of the machine. He came into contact with live connection and received a 240 volt shock."

A post mortem revealed that the 62- year-old Mr Roseman had died from electrocution, causing his heart to stop beating.

A jury of ten people took 30 minutes to record a verdict of accidental death.

Hertfordshire coroner, Edward Thomas, said Mr Roseman was an experienced repairman who was highly thought of by his customers.

He added that lessons could be learnt from what had been the tragic and unexpected death of someone so much cared for and respected'.