A father from Bolton took his own life using a ‘suicide kit’ bought online an inquest heard.

Mathew Price, who was aged 37, was found dead at his home on Rawcliffe Avenue, Breightmet after having taken a lethal dose of a controlled poison.

The controlled substance has been linked to a number of deaths, Bolton Coroner’s court heard.

Mr Price, a former HGV and coach driver was found dead on June 28, 2021.

The inquest heard how Mr Price had been suffering from low mood and anxiety in the months leading up to his death.

Mr Price’s GP, Dr Minto Chowdhury, told the inquest that Mr Price didn’t have any history of mental health issues, besides a relatively short period of low mood in 2012 following the end of a relationship.

Dr Chowdhury, who had appointments with Mr Price regarding his mental health after the loss of custody of his daughter, said he hadn’t reported any intentions of self-harm or suicidal ideation or noticed any signs of such.

His mother, Judith Price, said: “We knew he was depressed but he didn’t have any apparent suicidal ideation.

Senior Coroner Timothy Brennand gave a short form conclusion of suicide, citing a note of intent which he emailed to family members.

Coroner Brennand said: “He took himself into a dark place where he felt unable to reach out to his GP, immediate family, or reach out to friends.

“Having had the benefit of speaking particularly to his mother and father, he couldn’t have wished for more caring parents, who went out of their way to move back to the UK to be there for their son in a time of difficulty.

“You could have done no more.

“Mathew bottled things up and saw no other way forward. He couldn’t assume his position as a father.”

The controlled poison that Mr Price took has been a contributing factor to a number of deaths.

Toxicologist Julie Evans: "There have been increasing numbers of cases of this chemical being used. They're colloquially called suicide kits.

"Unfortunately we're still seeing cases in recent months, we've started to see an increase again."

If you're struggling with your mental health or are in crisis, you can call Samaritans free of charge on 116 123 - they're available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

You can also find support on their website here (www.samaritans.org).