AN inquest has ruled that a 31-year-old dad-of-four who was found dead in Sherdley Park took his own life.

David Marshall, from St Helens, was found hanged on Wednesday, November 22 at around 7.50am in the park.

Today, Tuesday, March 27, Coroner Christopher Sumner ruled that the cause of death was asphyxiation. Mr Marshall had a history of depression.

Mr Marshall's family expressed their wish to thank the dog walker who found him and stayed with him until paramedics arrived.