A Sellafield worker who took his own life had suffered depression, an inquest heard.

Craig Stephen Ward, 29, was found dead in the home he shared with his girlfriend on Darcy Street, Workington, on April 17 this year.

The inquest at Cockermouth heard how Mr Ward, who suffered panic attacks and anxiety, had spent time off work with depression and had been trying to reduce his alcohol intake.

Area coroner for Cumbria Kally Cheema concluded that he took his own life. He was found hanged.

A toxicology report also found 232 mcgms of alcohol per 100 mls of blood – the equivalent of nearly three times the drink-drive limit – and traces of anti-depressants in his system.

His girlfriend Kimberley Hibberts said she met Craig in July 2015 and he moved out of his home at Weavers Avenue, Frizington, to live with her.

She said in February 2016 he was signed off work sick and told her he was prescribed anti-depressants.

The day before his death he had starting drinking early in the evening, going out later to buy more alcohol. She found him dead the next morning.

Mr Ward’s GP Peter Winterbottom said Mr Ward first visited him in 2012 complaining of panic attacks and anxiety. Dr Winterbottom referred him to Unity – an alcohol recovery service – for his drinking.