A SERVING police officer killed himself because of worries over debt, an inquest heard.

Blackburn policeman Michael Raymond Hodges was found hanging from the loft space in his home on his 48th birthday in June.

Mr Hodges had a history of depression and had twice tried to kill himself, the hearing was told.

At the inquest, the police officer's partner, Julie O'Neill, said that Mr Hodges had an alcohol problem and was taking medication for his depression.

A post mortem examination discovered that Mr Hodges had a tumour in his right kidney, although his medical records revealed he knew nothing about the cancer.

Miss O'Neill said that her partner had been living with her in Cherryclough Way, Blackburn, at the time of his death.

She said: "He was very anxious much of the time and couldn't settle down.

"There were times when he was really down and he told me that he didn't know how he was going to get through it.

"He hadn't had a drink since February and he was doing well.

"In my mind it seemed that the money problems could be resolved but I don't think he felt the same way."

The inquest heard from Mr Hodge's ex-wife Carol Hodges.

She said that her ex-husband built up debts on improvements to their family home.

She said: "He was getting loans to cover loans but I think he felt he couldn't tell me anything about it.

"I think he didn't want me to worry."

Mr Hodges attempted suicide for the first time in early 2003 when he took an overdose of painkillers.

In June this year, just two weeks before he died, he also took an overdose of tablets, the inquest was told.

On the day of Mr Hodges' death, on June 27, Miss O'Neill said she phoned him from work to see how he was.

She said that he seemed "at peace" and very calm.

When she returned home at 5.15pm she found him hanging from an open loft hatch.

Coroner Michael Singleton recorded a verdict of suicide.