ROLAND Wessling was barely conscious as police arrested him for the murder of his partner Hazel Woodhams.

But the forensic scientist had not killed the love of his life — the 30-year-old had in fact died from carbon monoxide poisoning after they brought a charcoal barbecue inside their tent overnight.

Mr Wessling, 42, of Iffley Road, Oxford, also suffered carbon monoxide poisoning and kidney damage on the camping trip to Great Yarmouth in July 2011, and was treated in intensive care.

But he was initially arrested on suspicion of murder until police realised what had happened.

The couple, who were living in Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire, at the time, were unaware barbecue coals still pose a risk even when they have gone completely cold.

Mr Wessling is now urging holidaymakers to understand the dangers of carbon monoxide – known as the silent killer because it is invisible and odourless.

He works at Cranfield University in Bedfordshire and, as a result of the accident, is now undertaking a research project looking at toxicity of fuels in relation to carbon monoxide.

He is also researching tent design.

Recalling the tragedy, Mr Wessling, an expert in excavating mass graves, said: “The barbecue was completely cold to the touch, it was not glowing, no smoke, and there was absolutely no heat coming off.

“We both worked in forensic science, we had a carbon monoxide alarm at home, and were perfectly aware it was dangerous.

“We wouldn’t have considered the barbecue a threat — it was an outdoor environment.

“The first thing when I woke up I realised I couldn’t feel my right arm or feel anything or move anything at all.

“I turned around and looked at Hazel and I immediately knew she was dead — I tried to wake her but I couldn’t.

“After realising that I shouted for help and then called 999.

“An off-duty police officer took charge and let the ambulance know and then within about 15 minutes the police arrived.

“While I was in the ambulance I was arrested for the murder of Hazel.

“But the police realised that it was carbon monoxide when blood tests were undertaken at the hospital and that line of inquiry was cancelled.

“I was in intensive care for almost two weeks with a combination of a crush injury and a pressure injury because I had fallen on my arm.”

Mr Wessling has completed his first project, a 12-page report, and his team plan to carry out two PhD studies in three years.

They hope to raise £500,000 and have already received a pledge of £30,000 from a private donor.