Hanging death 'mirrored brother'

The brother of a man found hanged in the back of a police van died in a similar way, an inquest has heard.

Wayne Lawrence, 35, of Wigan, Greater Manchester, was found attached to a light fitting after he was arrested on suspicion of burglary in January 2004.

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

The inquest at Bolton Coroner's Court is expected to last five days.

On Monday, the jury heard that Wayne Lawrence was detained by officers after 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 died in hospital three days later.

'Drug problems'

Giving evidence before West Manchester District Coroner Jennifer Leeming, Mr Lawrence's stepfather Anthony Haig said he had a number of "causes for concern".

Mr Haig said his stepson had suffered two broken ribs and bruising above his eye but the police had never explained how he received the injuries.

He questioned the officers' version of events as to how and when Mr Lawrence was taken to hospital.

"We kept getting different stories about the timing and the sequence of events," he told the court.

The jury heard that an ambulance was called and then cancelled, before a police Land Rover transported Mr Lawrence to hospital.

Mr Haig said his stepson had led a "troubled life".

"He didn't keep in close contact with his family and he had difficulties with drugs which led to court appearances," he said.

The inquest continues.