A man from Whalley who moved to Serbia was found dead in his garage after he made plans to visit family in the UK, an inquest has heard.

Michael Cockshutt, 55, was born in Whalley but moved to Subotica, Serbia, before his death on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

The retired property renovator was found in his garage by his partner Brigita, who rang the Serbian authorities.

No note was found, but Serbian police recorded his death as suicide.

Blackburn Town Hall heard that he had no previous history with mental health, and that he never expressed thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

The court heard a statement from his mother Mary Cockshutt who said Michael loved to travel, cook, and would always entertain the family.

The family told the court: "He would keep himself to himself, but was in touch with us regularly.

"He seemed relaxed and made plans wanting to take one of his sisters to Brussels."

The court heard that Michael made other plans for the future, inviting his sister and her husband to Belgrade for a football match in December, and confirming he was coming back to the UK to see family.

A mobile phone and laptop were recovered from Michael's address, and the family expressed concerns that these had not been investigated thoroughly by the Serbian authorities.

The family will continue to investigate the circumstances around his death with the Serbian authorities.

Coroner Kate Bisset gave a medical cause of death as hanging, and a narrative conclusion of death.

She said: "Michael Cockshutt died in Serbia by hanging and it is not able to determine his intentions of his death.

"I am not satisfied to record Michael's death as suicide, as we cannot know his intentions with the lack of evidence surrounding his death.

"In this country, we would have had more investigation into evidence such as his mobile phone and laptop, but I understand this has not taken place.

"I am incredibly sorry for the lack of information, but he does sound really wonderful."

If you're struggling with your mental health or are in crisis, you can call Samaritans free of charge on 116 123 - they're available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.