A former bus driver was found hanged by his partner after a day of heavy drinking, an inquest has heard.

Wayne Dorey, 41, was found by his partner of 21 years, Steven Phillips, at their home in Colliers Wood on August 5 after he returned from working a night shift.

Mr Dorey had resigned from his job as a bus driver earlier that year, and had recently found work as a food delivery driver, but his drinking problem, which Mr Phillips, also a bus driver, said had contributed to him leaving his first job, had got worse.

Mr Phillips said Mr Dorey was known to drink four to five cans of strong lager a night.

Toxicology tests confirmed he had a "substantial" amount of alcohol in this system at the time of death - nearly three times the legal limit.

He left no note but had called his partner on the evening of his death leaving a voice mail, only heard after his death, which simply said goodbye.

Coroner, Dr Martin Fleming, said: "We will never know for sure what was going through his mind but I can’t be sure that he intended to end his life.

"In this case I find what is called a narrative verdict.

"On August 5 Wayne Dorey hung himself whilst under the influence of alcohol and cannabis.

"It’s not known whether he intended to take his own life.

"This is a terrible tragedy for Mr Phillips, his family and friends to lose someone you love so much under such sudden and tragic circumstances."