AN inquest into the death of a Barrow man who was found unresponsive at home has been opened.

Dean Appleton, 35, was discovered at his home on Brewery Street on August 19, 2024.

Area Coroner for Cumbria Kirsty Gomersal said that Mr Appleton's death was confirmed by paramedics at 7.06pm that day.

During a brief hearing at Cockermouth Coroner's Court on November 27, she said that a post-mortem examination had been carried out on Mr Appleton and a cause of death has been offered to her as heroin toxicity.

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Due to Mr Appleton's death having an unnatural cause, Ms Gomersal said an inquest was required and set a provisional date for a full inquest of February 26, 2025.

Mr Appleton, who was born in Barrow, was employed by Lake District Farmers.