A son paid tribute to his mother describing her as someone who would 'always put people first' as an inquest into her death took place.

Andrea Loftus died at the age of  just 56 on November 4.

The inquest heard that Miss Loftus has been 'chilling' in her partner's  flat on Park Road, Heaton, with a mutual friend, and had fallen asleep at around 6pm on November 3.

She had taken some heroin and drank cider.

In a statement, her son Ian Parr said that the loss of three children under the age of 14 months had a “devastating effect on her mental state”.

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Police coroners officer (PCO) Robert Struttman said that Miss Loftus was discovered by her partner on November 4.

Paramedics were called and they confirmed her death.

PCO Struttman said: “Following a police investigation into her death, there were no suspicious circumstances, or third-party involvement related to her death.”

Miss Loftus lived in the flat next to her partner and the inquest heard they were “always” together.

The medical cause of death was given as combined drug toxicity.

Methadone, which she was prescribed, and morphine/heroin, were found in her blood and urine - as well as cocaine but it is not known when this was taken.

Area Coroner for Manchester West Peter Sigee said: “Combined use would have an added toxicological effect, which could have resulted in fatal toxicology.”

The inquest heard that Andrea struggled with alcohol and drugs misuse, and she received support from Achieve Recovery since 2018.

Her son said: “She was a good person who always put people first, and she was extremely proud of her family.

“She was proud of her children and grandchildren.

“She was a positive person despite the traumas she had endured.

“She was loved by the people who knew her, and she will be sadly missed.”

Miss Loftus attended a school in the Great Lever area and completed her education.

She also enjoyed designing clothes.

Her son – who she spoke to three times a week - said: “She was a devout lady of Catholic faith and attended church when she could and carried a bible with her.

“She led a simple life and wanted for nothing.

“Although she had issues with drugs and alcohol, she did not commit crimes in order to get them.”

She had a number of small jobs and enjoyed music, particularly Pink Floyd and R.E.M.

Giving a short form conclusion of a drug related death, Mr Sigee said: “Miss Andrea Loftus died at Park Road on November 4, age 56, caused by the toxic affects of combined drugs, which she had deliberately and intestinally consumed, without any intention to harm herself.

“I offer my condolences to Miss Loftus’ family and friends, and I am sorry I have had to learn about her in this way.”

Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year, providing a safe place to talk for anyone who is struggling to cope.

Call 116 123 (this number is free to call and will not appear on your phone bill), 01204 521200 or email jo@samaritans.org.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.