A 34-YEAR-OLD man whose body was found near The Dream statue died from a "heroin overdose", an inquest heard.

A member of the public found the body of Paul Ward, from Sutton Manor, who passed away on Friday, November 30 last year.

Coroner's officer Kevin Farrell told the inquest at St Helens town hall: "At 1.50pm on November 30, the death was verified at The Dream on Jubits Lane by attending paramedic personnel.

"Mr Ward was 34, was single and without occupation.

"He had a medical history of depression and intravenous drug use."

He added: "At 1.30pm that afternoon a member of the public was walking in the vicinity of the Dream and found the body of a male."

St Helens Star:

Mr Ward's body was found near to The Dream

Toxicology reports showed levels of morphine in Mr Ward derived from heroin use and "use of cocaine" before his passing.

The cause of death was found to be a "heroin overdose".

In delivering her summary, assistant coroner Johanna Thompson said: "My conclusion is that his death was drug-related.

"I would like to offer my condolences to Mr Ward's family and friends."

Paul was described in an obituary, which was placed in the Star following his passing as "Loving son to May and Paul, loving brother to Jem, Ste and Mandy, loving grandson to Lal.

"Will be sadly missed by all his family and friends".