A HEARTBROKEN Blackburn man is believed to have killed himself just days after the sudden death of his young girlfriend.

Andrew David Tait, 28, formerly of Romney Walk, had been living with 21-year-old Hazel Johnstone among the travelling community in Milton Keynes.

But following her tragic death, it appeared Mr Tait decided he could not live without her and decided to kill himself, a coroner's court heard.

He is thought to have slit his wrists and attempted to hang himself at a house in the Fishermead area of the city, according to the coroner in Milton Keynes.

Mr Tait shared a home with Ms Johnstone, who died on April 1. The cause of her death has not yet been established but it was known she was suffering from pneumonia.

Opening the inquest, coroner Rodney Corner said it appeared Mr Tait had committed suicide.

Mr Corner said Mr Tait had been "very upset" over the death of his partner.

He had last been seen on April 3 at 10.30pm by friend Douglas Bedford and was reported to police as a missing person by Hazel's family, who were concerned for his safety.

Police went to his address and forced entry to the flat.

Mr Tait was found slumped on his front with a clothing cord attached to his neck, which was tied to a window.

Also in the lounge they found a bucket with blood and razor blades in it next to the armchair.

Mr Corner said: "It appears he had tried to slash his wrists and also made an attempt to hang himself."

Police found a suicide note on top of the television in the lounge saying that he could not live without Hazel.

A post mortem examination was carried out by a pathologist and the inquest has been adjourned until July 16.

Mr Tait was known locally as Andrew Harmony, having adopted a traditional traveller's name.

Hazel belonged to a large family who have lived in and around Milton Keynes for some time.