AN INQUEST could help the family of a transport worker who died from COVID-19 after she was reportedly spat on by a man who claimed to have the virus find answers about the circumstances surrounding her death, a lawyer has claimed.

Belly Mujinga, 47, died in April, approximately two weeks after the alleged incident at Victoria station, leaving behind her husband and 11-year-old daughter.

An investigation into her death was launched by the British Transport Police who identified a 57-year-old man in connection with the alleged incident of deliberate coughing and spitting.

The BTP’s investigation, which included reviewing CCTV footage, concluded there was not “sufficient evidence” to support a prosecution.

In a statement at the time, the BTP said: “Following a review of all the information, senior detectives have concluded that there is no evidence to substantiate any criminal offences having taken place, and that the tragic death of Belly Mujinga was not a consequence of this incident.”

Mujinga, who sarcoidosis, a condition that affects the lungs, spent just three days in hospital before she died.

There has not been an inquest into Mujinga’s death but a lawyer has told BBC Panorama that if her family were successful in pursuing one, it could help them get the justice they seek.

Barrister Christopher Williams, told Panorama: “If the family of Belly want to pursue an inquest, then that is a way of getting justice.

“It may be that the outcome of the inquest won’t give them the result that they seek, but the important thing is that they have the opportunity to go through the process.”

Panorama’s investigation into the events leading up to Mujinga’s death revealed that the CCTV footage was of poor quality but that it clearly showed something occurred.

The call for further probing into the possible causes of Mujinga’s death have also received support from Martin Forde QC. He told BBC Panorama: “I feel there are sufficient doubts and conflicts around the facts of this case to justify an investigation.”