THE Fire Brigade Union and legal officials were in discussions after a jury recorded an open verdict on the death of part-time firefighter Paul Metcalf.

The jury of six women and four men decided there was insufficient evidence to record either an accident or misadventure verdict.

The 40-year-old reserve firefighter drowned on September 5 last year during a failed attempt to find trainee priest Reyaz Ali. The teenager had been swimming in Simon's Lodge at Holcombe Brook, and had been reported missing for more than 30 minutes when two crews of fire fighters, including Sub Officer Metcalf, launched the doomed mission.

Mr Metcalf, from Shuttleworth, Ramsbottom, was the first to enter the freezing water, wearing only a small amount of clothing and a rescue line. The rope became snagged on an underwater tree, putting the karate expert in difficulties. Union bosses criticised the fire brigade for failing to introduce a proven water rescue policy and provide the appropriate rescue equipment. A water rescue policy was only introduced the day before the start of the joint inquest.

Today Mr Metcalf's twin brother Michel said: "I am pleased that something good has come out of this tragedy, although the water rescue policy should have been in place two or three years ago. Perhaps then, this tragedy would not have occurred."

Commenting on the open verdict, Michel added: "It was what we expected. We did not want accidental death because there was a lack of equipment and training at the time of Paul's death to support such a verdict.

"As to what will happen now, it is in the hands of our solicitors."

The jury also returned a verdict of misadventure on the death of Darul Uloom College student Reyaz.

Last night the Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association said that lessons had been learned .

And County Fire Officer George Almond offered his sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Sub Officer Metcalf and described him as as "brave and courageous officer who acted in the true spirit and tradition of the service." He said the service was continually reviewing its practices and examining ways to further reduce risks.

The Health and Safety Executive is also considering whether to prosecute the fire service under the Health and Safety at Work Act.