The family of a former film studio stagehand say they are searching for answers following his premature death from an asbestos disease, aged just 74.

Edward Redmond, known as Eamonn, worked at a number of film studios between 1975 and 2003, spending most of his time at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood.

He worked firstly as a painter’s labourer and later as a stagehand.

His initial job saw him working in the painter’s workshop, an old building that had a number of gas burners that were connected to heated pipes. The pipes and burners were insulated with lagging - which his family believe may have been asbestos.

He also worked closely with carpenters on set builds.

In the summer of 2016, several years after retirement, Mr Redmond began experiencing symptoms of ill health.

He was referred for tests, where an x-ray revealed fluid on his lungs and a CT scan later confirmed he was suffering from the asbestos related cancer, mesothelioma.

He died from the disease in October 2017 and now his family are searching for answers.

Their hope is that information from old colleagues at Elstree Studios will help shed light on how and where he was exposed to asbestos, as part of a legal battle designed to bring those responsible to account.

Mr Redmond’s daughter, Lisa, said: "Dad was traumatised by his condition. He had a fantastic working life doing a job he loved.

"Asbestos in Elstree Studios is well recorded due to its removal by the current owners.

“However, witnesses are required to prove Dad was exposed to it while working there. If anyone has information about working conditions at Elstree Studios from the 1970s onwards or the potential presence of asbestos, I urge them to come forward."

Around 33,000 cubic metres of asbestos-contaminated spoilt had to be cleared from the studios, according to Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, which provided a loan. The backlot clearance helped the studios expand and led to the studios successfully securing the contract for the £100m Netflix series The Crown.

A management asbestos survey report was published in 2015 following an inspection of the studios. The report states the survey was requested to ensure that any previously unidentified accessible asbestos bearing materials were located to prevent accidental exposure of employees, maintenance staff and the general public alike.

Thompsons Solicitors’ Lisa Gormley, who is representing the Redmond family, added: “Star Wars may have been set in a ‘galaxy far, far away’ but for Mr Redmond’s family, the film’s legacy hits very close to home. The family have been devastated by his death.

"Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case - mesothelioma deaths in the UK continue to rise. We know the risks of asbestos exposure now and employers knew the risks then. At Thompsons we consider it our job to work with families like Mr Redmond’s to ensure the right people are held to account."

Anyone with further information should contact Lisa Gormley at Thompsons on 0151 224 1667, or by email at lisagormley@thompsons.law.co.uk

Hertsmere Borough Council took ownership of Elstree Studios in 1996.

A council spokesperson said: "We are very sorry to hear about Mr Redmond’s illness and subsequent death and will, of course, respond to any requests for information from the family’s legal team that we receive.

"Hertsmere Borough Council acquired Elstree Studios in 1996 and we do not have records of him working as an employee during the time of our ownership.

"However, we can confirm that when any asbestos matters and concerns have been brought to our attention during the time of our ownership, all appropriate action in accordance with Health and Safety regulations have been implemented to ensure the site is considered safe."