An engaged mother with a long history of mental health issues was found unresponsive by her partner after she took a fatal dose of her medication, an inquest heard.

Melissa Rowcroft, 31, was found on May 5, shortly before 9am, at her home in Longridge.

A toxicology report found Melissa, who worked as a lab technician, had taken a high dose of an antidepressant-painkiller.

An inquest at Preston Coroners Court found the blood concentration of the drug, which she was prescribed, was towards the lower end of the range encountered in deaths, meaning it was sufficient in itself to have led to her death.

Other prescription drugs Melissa was using alongside it, including an anxiety medication and a strong painkiller, could have induced a sedative effect alongside the antidepressant to also contribute to her death.

When asked as to why Melissa was still being prescribed this drug, her GP Dr Dominic Lakeland said in evidence it was because it was part of her treatment for depression.

Detective Inspector Lisa Craddock, from the adult safeguarding team based at Burnley police station, attended the scene and confirmed there was no evidence of third-party involvement in Melissa’s death.

She told the inquest there was an empty packet of the antidepressant on her bedside table when the room was searched.

Family members said they had not noticed signs of Melissa’s situation becoming worse and said they believed things had been going well for her.

They described her as a “very bright, intelligent young lady” who “had a whole life ahead of her", and was a mother of one and engaged to her partner.

Following Melissa’s death, more than £400 was donated to the Siberian Husky Welfare Association through a tribute page in her memory.

Coroner Richard Taylor gave a narrative conclusion, saying: “Melissa Jayne Rowcroft was found dead at home on May 5, having ingested an excess of medication, but it was not possible to determine her intentions at the time.”