A father-of-two who killed himself at a beauty spot near Snodland had lost his mother just weeks before, an inquest heard.

At a hearing in Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone today, senior coroner Patricia Harding concluded Brian Haines, 47 had intended to end his own life.

The court heard how Mr Haines drove his silver Ford van up to a secluded part of Holly Hill near Snodland in the early hours of May 17 this year, where he slit his wrist.

He was found in the driver's seat at 10.30am the following morning. South East Coast Ambulance service (SECAamb) pronounced him dead at the scene.

Police also found a cleaver type knife, alcohol and cigarettes in the vehicle. No note was found.

A post-mortem examination carried out at Medway Maritime Hospital by pathologist Dr David Rouse concluded Mr Haines died from an incision in his left wrist. Alcohol intoxication was listed as a secondary cause of death.

A toxicology report found 186 milligrams in 100 milliliters of blood and fatal levels of the drug paracetamol in Mr Haines' system.

Giving evidence, Detective Sergeant Alec Wood of Tonbridge CID said Mr Haines had been bereaved of his mother Diane Green just over a fortnight before.

Mr Haines had lived with his mother at her home in White Post Lane, Meopham up until the time of her death.

He has no immediate close relatives apart from an ex-wife and two daughters living in south London. DS Wood later confirmed Kent Police are trying to trace them.

DS Wood said Mr Haines, who worked as a delivery driver for Yodel, had told his estranged partner Anna Thorman of his intention to kill himself in the days leading up to his death.

He had also told a friend, who out of concern, contacted police on May 14.

A witness saw a vehicle believed to have been Mr Haines' the previous night. The last contact Mr Haines had with his partner was a text, sent at about 3am on the day of his death.

Concluding, senior coroner Patricia Harding, said: "When I take into account all the evidence I am satisfied Brian Haines intended to kill himself and I will record a conclusion of suicide."

Detective sergeant Alec Wood of Tonbridge CID is appealing for any of Brian Haines' relatives to contact him by calling Kent Police on 101.

If you would like confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time.