AMBULANCE crews in the borough are mourning the death of a colleague who was found hanged after completing a night shift.

Paramedic Wayne Davenport (34) was discovered by his fiancee Caroline Johnson, who also works for Greater Manchester Ambulance Service, at their home in Rochdale. Mr Davenport was based at Whitefield Ambulance Station and his fiancee at Bury.

Mystery surrounds why Mr Davenport killed himself and why he did not seek help and advice from his colleagues.

Long-time friend and fellow paramedic, Steve Shimmin said: "From talking with those on the same shift and those who took over from him, Wayne appeared to be his usual self and did not seem anxious about anything.

"This is a tragedy and everyone is deeply upset by his death." Mr Davenport joined the ambulance service around 14 years ago and qualified as a paramedic in the late 1990s.

Before moving to Rochdale, he lived in Scobell Street, Tottington.

Mr Stuart Rankine, operations manager at Bury Ambulance Station, said the service had lost a "professional, enthusiastic and caring" young man. "Wayne was very quiet but a well liked and respected member of the team. His death is a great loss and our thoughts are with his family at this time."

Mr Davenport worked until 2am on Wednesday before going home. His body was found at 11.30am. Police have ruled out any suspicious circumstances and the matter has been passed on to the coroner. Ambulance staff from across the county are expected to attend Mr Davenport's funeral service.