A MAN died after falling down the communal stairs of his home, an inquest heard.

Neale Thomas landed awkwardly at the foot of his neighbour’s front door at 9am on July 4 last year.

Winchester Coroner’s Court heard the 39-year-old, who had learning difficulties, was found conscious by Robert Leonard, who tried to help him back to his feet. But after being unable to lift him, he phoned an ambulance.

Mr Thomas, of Andover Road, Winchester, then lost consciousness and died before paramedics arrived minutes later.

Dr Adnan Al-Badri, consultant pathologist at Winchester hospital, said the fall left Mr Thomas unable to breathe properly. This starved his brain of oxygen, causing it to swell and ultimately kill him.

Central Hampshire Coroner Grahame Short recorded a verdict of accidental death.