Oxford car manufacturer BMW could face legal claims for asbestos-related deaths.

A solicitor has revealed he is acting for relatives of more than a dozen people who had worked at the Cowley car plant and contracted the fatal lung cancer mesothelioma.

It follows Wednesday's inquest into the death of Christopher Boyne, of Upper Road, Kennington, who died on March 5 after working at the factory for 30 years.

Former work colleague Ronald Bowden told Oxfordshire Coroner's Court that asbestos insulation was once common throughout the factory.

Deputy Oxfordshire Coroner Dorothy Flood recorded a verdict that Mr Boyne, 75, died as a result of an industrial disease.

Mr Boyne was initially diagnosed with skin cancer in 1987, which was successfully treated. Mesothelioma was spotted in 2001 after he complained of chest pains.

Doctors tried to treat it with radiotherapy but Mr Boyne subsequently caught pneumonia, which pathologist Dr Ian Buley identified as the "final cause of death".

Dr Buley said mesothelioma was only caused by exposure to asbestos.

After the inquest, Mr Lodge, of BPE Solicitors, in Cheltenham, said the family had not decided whether to take legal action.

He said he had more than a dozen cases involving mesothelioma suffered by workers at the former Morris and Rover-owned factory.

BMW spokesman Angela Stangroom said no claim had been received from Mr Boyne's family.

"Should a claim be lodged in the future, we will put this in the hands of our insurers," she said. "Unfortunately there's nothing further we can say at this stage." She was unable to confirm details of any other potential cases.