A Russian academic carrying out research in Oxford died from alcohol poisoning after mistaking methanol for ethanol, an inquest heard.

Alexandr Zhankov, 44, a professor of virology at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Mansfield Road, was found by a passer-by in Bevington Road, north Oxford, after collapsing with breathing difficulties on October 2 last year. He was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, but died on October 5.

Tamara Gritsun, a senior scientific officer who arranged Prof Zhankov's research visit to Oxford, said she had known him for 18 years since they were Phd students together in Russia.

When the coroner asked if Prof Zhankov had drunk ethanol in the past, Miss Gritsun said that it was not considered to be something remarkable in the society he was from, although she never saw him drink any during his time in Oxford.

She said: "He was a scientist and would have known the difference between ethanol and methanol."

The court was told ethanol, which is pure alcohol, and methanol, a toxic substance found in methylated spirits, are both clear liquids.

Dr Ernest Gould, from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, said checks were made on the laboratories' supplies of ethanol after Prof Zhankov's death and it was discovered that there had been a significant increase in the quantity used.

Oxfordshire coroner Nicholas Gardiner said there was no evidence to suggest Mr Zhankov, who was staying in Banbury Road, had drunk methanol deliberately. He recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.