Wandsworth police have launched an internal inquiry into an officer's handling of a sudden death in Battersea, after she got rid of illegal drugs that were potentially crucial evidence.

Police Constable Roseline Adeyemi was called to Powrie House in Battersea High Street on March 1 after a neighbour found Lloyd Blair, 59, dead in his home.

He had died of a drug overdose and a large quantity of pills was found where he lived.

But instead of following normal procedure and taking them back to Lavender Hill police station, where she was based, PC Adeyemi handed them over to a GP from Falcon Road surgery who had attended the scene.

Speaking at Mr Blair's inquest last Thursday, Westminster coroner Dr Paul Knapman was appalled by PC Adeyemi's lack of knowledge of the procedures and accused her of being poorly trained.

Police are trained to keep hold of any drugs found when they attend a death scene, in case they are needed in court, he told her.

He was further shocked when he asked PC Adeyemi, giving evidence at Westminster Coroner's Court, who he was and the police officer replied: "You are a magistrate."

Dr Knapman said: "This says a lot about your training."

Ms Adeyemi, who has served in the force for two years, said it was the first time she had given evidence in a coroner's court.

She was one of three officers to attend the scene on March 1.

She could not say whether or not the other two were aware she had got rid of the drugs found in the house.

Wandsworth's Chief Inspector Kieran Power said: "We are grateful to Dr Knapman for bringing this matter to our attention.

"The concerns raised by the coroner will result in officers being reminded of their roles and responsibilities when dealing with sudden deaths.

"The officer concerned will receive further advice and support."

Mr Blair died of heart failure after ingesting a lethal cocktail of methadone, the analgesic dihydrocodeine, paracetomol and alcohol.

An accident he had while serving in the Merchant Navy had badly damaged his legs and subjected him to a life of pain, the inquest heard.

He became addicted to his painkillers and then to opiates. He was a registered methadone user and had been dependent on the heroin substitute since 1998.

He already suffered from a heart condition and the overdose of methadone and dihydrocodeine had a toxic effect.

Dr Knapman said the drugs played a very significant part' in the tragedy and recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.