A MAN hanged himself on Christmas Eve after splitting up with his girlfriend, an inquest heard.

Henry "Harry" Rice, who was 43, was found dead in Clarence Street, Darwen, by police after neighbours became concerned of his whereabouts.

His brother, Francis Rice, said Mr Rice had served numerous prison sentences but had been free for two years at the time of his suicide.

He had no history of mental illness.

Post-mortem examination blood tests showed a low amount of alcohol but no drugs, said Blackburn Royal Infirmary pathologist Dr Richard Prescott.

Coroner Michael Singleton recorded a verdict of suicide.