A man discovered dead in a car in Halliwell died after 'excess nitrous oxide use', an inquest has heard.

Mohamed Ismail, 33, was discovered dead in his car on Whitchurch Gardens, off Halliwell Road, in May.

At Bolton Coroner's Court on August 1 an inquest opened into the death of the delivery driver, who lived on Blackburn Road, before area coroner Professor Dr Alan Walsh.

A Police Coroner's Officer, Julieann Hyde, outlined the circumstances.

Ms Hyde said: "Mr Ismail was found in the rear of his car by a passerby.

"They shouted at Mr Ismail and when he didn't respond they called 999."

A post mortem at Royal Bolton concluded the delivery driver died of hypoxia, a lack of oxygen, after 'excess nitrous oxide use'. 

The gas, also known as NOS or laughing gas, has a number of commercial uses and medical uses but it is used by some as a recreational substance.

Professor Dr Walsh asked for statements from a GP, Greater Manchester Police and other services and he adjourned the inquest until November 8.

At the time of the incident a councillor for the area, Safwaan Patel, described the sadness and the shock amongst the community.

Cllr Patel said: "We are extremely saddened to hear about the incident on Halliwell Road today.

"Our condolences to the family, we are praying for them at this time.

"We are here if anybody wants to reach out to us about this incident or any other concerns."

An eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "It is sad and shocking. There were a lot of of police cars on Halliwell Road and I was wondering what happened.

"I asked around and someone told me and I thought how horrible it was for the family."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.