A YOUNG man whose death sparked a murder inquiry died as a result of drug poisoning.

Ben Spencer, aged 21, died in Haydock Street, near Bolton town centre on July 1 this year.

The opening of an inquest into his death heard how on the morning of his death, he reported an assault to Greater Manchester Police.

Mr Spencer, of Haydock Street, was taken to Royal Bolton Hospital before he was later released.

The inquest heard that on the evening of July 1 he was taking crack cocaine with a friend when he collapsed suddenly.

The friend was unable to revive him and the ambulance service was called but Mr Spencer was pronounced dead at the scene and police launched an investigation.

A post-mortem found that he had died as a result of drug toxicity.

Following the death, a 50-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder as police looked into the circumstances around the death.

Police attended the scene and residents spoke of their shock and sadness in the aftermath of the death.

Forensic teams were seen carrying out investigations at a property in the street.

However, officers found no suspicious circumstances and the man was released without charge.

The inquest was adjourned until November 7.