Georgian tycoon died of natural causes: British police

Patarkatsishvili, 52, accused of fomenting a coup in the ex-Soviet republic, collapsed and died Tuesday at his home in Leatherhead, south-west of London.

"Following initial inquiries and the post-mortem carried out last night, Surrey Police can confirm that at this stage there is no indication that the sudden death of Badri Patarkatsishvili was from anything other than natural causes," a spokeswoman said.

"However extensive toxicology testing is yet to be carried out. This will take a number of weeks."

The toxicology tests are a routine part of the examination of the corpse.

The police spokeswoman said the Surrey coroner would formally open the inquest at Woking Coroner's Court at 9:30 am (0930 GMT) on Friday.

Police said late Wednesday that they had found no traces of radioactivity after forensics experts spent all day studying the scene at the tycoon's plush home. (AFP)