A HAMPSHIRE dad who had a history of taking heroin and other illegal drugs died of a mixed drug overdose, an inquest heard.

John Khan was found collapsed at his home in St Mary’s, Southampton, but despite numerous attempts to resuscitate him, he died hours later in Southampton General Hospital.

Southampton Coroner’s Court heard how the 48-year-old, who lived in Albion Towers in Golden Grove, had an “extensive history” of misusing drugs and at times was known to be using between £40 and £50 of heroin a day.

His doctor George Hoghton told the coroner that there had been concerns in February about his abuse of painkillers and that a health visitor had “concerns” about his children’s welfare when he was using drugs.

A post-mortem revealed that Mr Khan had fatal levels of various drugs in his system, including an antidepressant and Tramadol, which is a pain suppressant.

Deputy Coroner Gordon Denson ruled that the cause of death was a mixed drug overdose and concluded that Mr Khan died on June 9, due to dependant drug abuse.