An elderly man was found with a knife through his chest after having struggled with his mental health for many years, an inquest has heard.

Retired businessman Robert McKenzie Mills, of Longworth Road, Horwich was 79 years old when he was found dead with the wound on July 14 this year.

An inquest into his death that opened this week at Bolton Coroners Court heard that police had investigated and had found no evidence of third-party involvement.

Detective Constable Nichola Veitch Lancaster said: “There are no suspicious circumstances believed to be linked to this incident.”

DC Lancaster told the inquest how Mr Mills had struggled with his mental health for around 25 years before his death.

Having been discovered at home, Mr Mills was then formally identified and a pathological report undertaken by Dr Patrick Waugh of Royal Bolton Hospital ruled that his death had been caused by an incise wound to the heart.

Coroner Peter Sigee ruled that Mr Mills’ body could be released for funeral arrangements and set a date for a full hearing for March 1 next year, which will aim to establish the full facts of the case.

He closed by offering his condolences to Mr Mills’ loved ones.