Lewisham: A Lewisham man slashed his arms with a razor and swallowed painkillers before he hanged himself, an inquest heard.

Francis Bwalya, 32, was found hanging from a bunk bed at his home in Eastdown Park, Lewisham, on March 4, this year. PC Martin Smith told Southwark Coroner's Court he found a second unused noose, a washing line, by his feet.

Recording a verdict of suicide, coroner Selena Lynch said: "This young man was obviously quite distressed at the time of his death as he suffered a relationship breakdown.

"I have considered whether he did not intend to die. But I think he made a deliberate plan to kill himself."

July 9, 2002 10:00