A bomb disposal expert from Kent died in an explosion on a Pacific Island while handling Second World War explosives, an inquest has heard.

Stephen "Luke" Atkinson, 57, was killed along with Australian colleague Trent Lee while working with unexploded bombs at their accommodation on the Solomon Islands, the hearing was told.

The pair were working for a humanitarian aid organisation to map unexploded munitions across the islands – the scene of heavy fighting involving Japanese and Allied forces towards the end of the Second World War.

Mr Atkinson, who grew up in Tunbridge Wells, worked in the Solomon Islands and neighbouring Palau as a programme manager at NGO Norwegian People’s Aid.

An inquest at Eastbourne Town Hall heard Mr Atkinson was killed when a device went off at his home in the capital Honiara on September 20 last year.

He suffered damage to his ribs, throat and upper body in the explosion that went off at around 7.30pm. He later died in the National Referral Hospital.

The Solomon Islands, which lie to the east of Papua New Guinea, was a key Second World War battleground in the South Pacific due to its proximity to Australia.

As a result the islands are littered with thousands of ageing explosives that still pose a danger to civilians more than 70 years later.

Police inspector Clifford Tunuki said in the aftermath of the accident that several other unexploded bombs were also found in the apartment.

Mr Atkinson, who was born in Singapore to a concert pianist from New Zealand and a doctor from Ireland, was well-travelled and lived in countries including Kosovo, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Cambodia.

The dad-of-one worked for the United Nations as well as the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) where he would find unexploded ordnances and map them out for the police.

Giving evidence at the hearing, his friend Ian Hird, told the court that Mr Atkinson was injured after an explosive he was handling detonated.

Mr Hird, who met Mr Atkinson while studying, said: “He put the safety of others first and took his responsibility very seriously.”

“He put the safety of others first and took his responsibility very seriously.”

He added: “Luke loved Africa and always had a great affinity for the continent.”

Mr Atkinson moved to what is now Zambia and Zimbabwe – formerly called Rhodesia – when he was 17-years-old to work as a park ranger.

Mr Hird told the inquest: “Luke was very well-read, bright and had intelligence. He gained a reputation for being innovative.

“He adored his son, who is now 18, and did everything possible to support him. He was a great friend and storyteller.

“He worked hard on his friendships and worked hard to stay in touch with people he had met throughout his life.”

East Sussex Coroner Alan Craze recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.

“There is a son that is going to have to live with this"

He said: “There is a son that is going to have to live with this.

"I think that in many ways we can call this an accident. I shall record a conclusion of misadventure.”

In the wake of the accident the NPA's activities on the Solomon Islands were temporarily put on hold while the circumstances were investigated.

Henriette Killi Westhrin, NPA's secretary general, said at the time: "This is a tragic accident.

"We are devastated by what has happened, and for the loss of two good colleagues. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to their families, relatives and staff."

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