A man with a history of depression accessed several suicide websites in the weeks before his death, an inquest heard.

Parish Patel was found by his father with a plastic bin liner over his head, a cylinder of butane gas and empty alcohol bottles by his side at their home in Welcomes Road, Kenley, on March 28.

In the week leading up to his death, the 25-year-old, who had a history of depression and had recently lost his job, had accessed 22 different suicide websites, some featuring gas cylinders similar to that found at the scene.

Croydon Coroners Court heard the cylinder's label said it was 30 percent propane and 70 percent butane. The tap was turned to the 'off' position and Mr Patel's father, ambulance and police staff said they hadn't touched the tap.

The court heard Mr Patel, who had been diagnosed with unstable personality disorder, had gone to see his GP on March 13, but denied having suicidal thoughts, telling his doctor he just felt low.

Four days later he was taken to Croydon University Hospital after cutting his neck with a kitchen knife. He was treated for superficial cuts and seen by a psychiatrist who arranged a follow up appointment.

The inquest heard Mr Patel had undergone psychiatric assessments in 2005 and 2006, following paracetamol overdoses and in 2007, after another suicide attempt and a history of low mood.

An autopsy carried out at Croydon mortuary gave the cause of death as plastic bag asphyxia, with mixed drug propane and butane intoxication.

Blood tests carried out found alcohol and a very low dose of cocaine metabolism in his blood.

Coroner Dr Roy Palmer said: "I will record an open verdict, but it is probable he intended to die by his actions. I don't have enough evidence that allows me to say it was an accident or a cry for help gone wrong.

"But if he knew there was no-one else in the house that day, it can't really be a cry for help that went wrong. I am very sorry you lost your brother in sad circumstances."