THE MYSTERIOUS death of a Russian student, who collapsed while celebrating his birthday at a North-East nightspot, was probably caused by a rare allergy to fish.

An inquest was told that Timur Goulinski may have inadvertently eaten only the slightest trace of fish on a night out in Durham with fellow countrymen in September.

They had eaten at a restaurant before having a few drinks, ending Mr Goulinski's 23rd birthday in Klute nightclub, on Elvet Riverside.

He complained of feeling unwell and went outside, where he vomited, and then collapsed.

Despite the efforts of an off-duty Durham police officer and paramedics, he was pronounced dead before being taken to Dryburn Hospital.

Mr Goulinski, who was studying for a doctorate in mathematics at Leeds University, was asthmatic and used an inhaler.

Pathologist Dr Paul Barrett told the hearing, in Durham, there were signs he had suffered an asthma attack, but said the cause of death was inhalation of vomit.

Having been told that Mr Goulinski had a fish allergy, Dr Barrett said he performed toxicology tests.

"The allergy test for fish did show there was a reaction, not a strongly positive reaction, and I concluded the cause of death was the aspiration of vomit. But I speculate it may be that the allergy induced a nauseousness, inducing vomiting.

"The overriding event is an exposure to fish during the course of the evening, although it is a very difficult thing to prove."

Dr Barrett said: "It may be that a small amount of fish has been enough to produce nausea and the chain of events which followed."

The inquest was told a memorial service for Mr Goulinski, to be attended by his family from Russia, will be held in Leeds in February.

Recording a verdict of death by natural causes, North Durham Coroner Andrew Tweddle said: "I'll put it down to a naturally occurring matter, a most unfortunate reaction to fish. It's the first I've come across with fish. I have come across nut allergies before, but never fish."