A much loved father and husband died from an acute heart attack an inquest heard on Thursday.

Simon McGuire of Tuffnells Way, Harpenden, was found in a chair in room 224 of a hotel in London Road, Flamstead.

PC Paul Archbold was one of the officers who attended the scene on April 26.

He told the inquest: "When we arrived at the hotel, we saw Mr Mcguire in a chair, topless. He was very pale and discoloured.

"It was a very basic scene. There was no luggage but we found three phones, one was on charge and the other two were dismantled.

"There was also some white powder on the desk left out in a line, which is consistent with drug taking."

The Hatfield inquest was told Mr McGuire, 42, had a history of taking cocaine.

A post-mortem examination revealed that there was a low level of alcohol present in his bloodstream coupled with cocaine.

The coroner, Edward Solomons, said Mr McGuire had coronary artery atheroma which is common with habitual use of cocaine.

He concluded that the cause of death was an acute heart attack brought on by cocaine abuse.

Mr McGuire's wife, Jan McGuire, and father, Morris Abell were also present at the inquest.

Mr Abell said: "Simon was a loved father and husband and a very well liked member of the community. He was active within the community, especially football.

"To lose a father and husband has had a profound impact and they are trying hard to rebuild their lives and today has brought us closure."