Lawyers are investigating how a grandfather was left fighting for his life after contracting legionnaires’ disease.

Peter Apps, of Forge Road, Milton Regis, who returned home from Medway Maritime Hospital two weeks ago, now says he just wants answers.

The 75-year-old was diagnosed with the potentially-fatal condition after a short break at the Roundhouse Hotel in Bournemouth.

He has instructed law firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate the hotel, which closed voluntarily while tests were carried out to establish the presence of legionella, the bacterial pneumonia found in water droplets.

Bournemouth council’s environmental health team, which conducted the tests, has not yet received any results.

Although I have a long road to recovery, I’m so lucky to be alive" - Peter Apps

Mr Apps, a retired lorry driver, said: “I know that legionella bacteria often grows in those areas if conditions are not kept up to standard and I want to know if this could be why I became so ill.

“Although I have a long road to recovery, I’m so lucky to be alive.

“My family and I have been through a terrible time as a result of this illness and we just want answers as to how this came to happen.”

Amandeep Dhillon, a partner and public health expert at Irwin Mitchell, said cases of legionnaires’ disease had caused three deaths in recent years.

“Legionnaires’ disease can be prevented if the correct safety procedures are followed, but sadly there are still hundreds of reported cases of the disease every year and it is clear that further action is needed to reduce the number of outbreaks which occur,” he added.

“Our attention is now focused on thoroughly investigating the issues related to the Roundhouse Hotel in Bournemouth, as Peter and his family understandably want answers following this ordeal.”

Officials from the Roundhouse Hotel could not be reached for comment.