A MAN who shunned help from his family after turning to alcohol and drugs was found dead at the back of a Knutsford warehouse, an inquest has heard.

Matthew Large was discovered with his face submerged in waterlogged undergrowth at the back of a unit on Longridge Industrial Estate on January 29, this year.

The 31-year-old was wearing a t-shirt, tracksuit bottoms and no shoes when an employee spotted his body as he was tidying up near the flooded grounds.

The police were called, the hearing at Warrington Coroner's Court was told on Wednesday.

No evidence of any assault or injuries to Mr Large's body, head or face was found.

READ > 50 different community groups inspire new hobbies

Six days before the death was discovered, Hayden Johnson was in Mobberley Road with his brother and former girlfriend when they saw a man slumped by some railings.

In a statement, Mr Johnson told the inquest that the man, who was extremely drunk and unable to walk, said his name was Matt.

They helped him back to his home on Longridge and called several times over the next few days to check that he was OK.

Mr Johnson leant him some clothes and tried to tidy his flat.

When he heard that a body had been found, Mr Johnson contacted the police.

Mr Large's brother, David, 35, told the inquest in a statement that Matthew had nine siblings and his family was very close as they grew up in Salford.

When their dad died, he vowed to take care of Matthew, who was unemployed, and gave him a home for nine years.

"He started abusing drugs and using cannabis," said David. "Alcohol and drugs changed him as a person. He had a chaotic lifestyle.

"As a family we tried to help but he didn't want any. He was in a mental health unit from 2010-2014, nothing seemed to help him."

The last time they spoke was in 2019.

"His mood was low," said David. "He was upset because he knew how much our relationship had broken down.

"Many people tried to help him but he didn't want it.

"Alcohol consumption and abusive drugs isolated him from his family."

Forensic pathologist Dr Sally Ann Hales carried out a post mortem examination and said that the cause of death was drowning.

Contributory factors included chronic pancreatitis and liver steatosis caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Toxicity tests indicated ketoacidosis and cannabis use was also detected.

Cheshire coroner Claire Welch said it was not possible to explain how or why Mr Large went to the industrial estate.

Extensive enquiries were carried out and CCTV cameras checked but there were no sightings of him.

Mrs Welch said:"It is possible he was out for a walk and due to the cold and ketoacidosis he collapsed.

"It is clear that Mr Large comes from a family that was very concerned about him. The circumstances and uncertainty surrounding his death only adds to their grief.

"I offer my condolences to all of you."

Mrs Welch concluded that the cause of death was drowning caused by contributory factors including alcohol and cannabis use.