Man in police van took own life

An inquest jury looking into the death of a Greater Manchester man found hanged in the back of a police van, has ruled that he took his own life.

Wayne Lawrence, 35, from Wigan, was discovered attached to a light fitting after he was arrested on suspicion of burglary on 5 January 2004.

The jury at Bolton Coroner's Court said there were no risks that should have been recognised by police.

The court was told Wayne Lawrence had had a "troubled life".

His brother, Philip, died after hanging himself from the light fitting in his cell at a police station in Bootle, Merseyside, in 1996.

Greater Manchester Police detained Mr Lawrence after responding to reports of a break-in at an electrical store in Wigan town centre.

He was put in the back a police van at about 2120 BST on 5 January and was found about 45 minutes later.

He was taken to Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan but died three days later.