A HEROIN addict who died in Burnley General Hospital was trying to get off drugs.

An inquest heard how Geoffrey Edmondson, 31, died after going to see his ex-girlfriend, and unsuccessful attempts were made to resuscitate him at the hospital.

Mr Edmondson's mother, Coral, of Reedyford Road, Nelson, said her son, who lived at the same address, died on Tuesday.

Mr Edmondson had been injecting heroin on and off for about five years, but was making attempts to reduce his intake.

On September 25, Mrs Edmondson, her husband and son had been away for the weekend. Her son seemed perfectly normal and she last saw him alive on Tuesday at home, at about 3.15pm.

He was going up to see Natalie Quirke, a woman with whom he had had a friendship.

The relationship had broken off, but the two were still seeing each other as friends.

Mrs Edmondson said one of Natalie's friends later went to their home to say the ambulance was at her house. Mrs Edmondson went up to Miss Quirke's house and found her son had gone.

Attempts were made to resuscitate Mr Edmondson at the hospital, but were unsuccessful.

East Lancashire coroner David Smith adjourned the inquest.

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