A homeless man in Bolton who had served in the armed forces died after leaving a safe house.

Steven John Templeton, described as having the "love and support of his family," died on March 27 this year at an address on Bradshawgate.

An inquest into his death took place at Bolton Coroners Court this week.

Bolton: Inquest opens into death of homeless man on Bradshawgate

The court heard Mr Templeton, 42, was born in Glasgow and had entered the armed forces.

But he left the role due to problems with drugs which plagued him throughout his life.

He left Glasgow to come to Bolton to enter a safe house to attempt to deal with these issues.

But Mr Templeton left and was found deceased at an address on Bradshawgate in March this year.

Toxicologists gave the cause of death as drug toxicity.

The court heard from Detective Inspector David Sinclair, who carried out an investigation into the death.

He said concerns were raised that "a third party may have administered a noxious substance."

A total of three people were arrested, but he concluded "we had no evidence of suspicious circumstances or third party involvement."

Police made contact with the brother and father of Mr Templeton.

He was described as having the "love and support of his family"

His father said he had "no concerns" regarding "the treatment and care Steven received."

Coroner Peter Sigee offered his condolences to the family.

He recorded the death of Mr Templeton, of no fixed abode, as being caused by drugs toxicity, with the substances in question being heroin, cocaine, amitriptyline and alprazolam.

He said: "I am satisfied the appropriate conclusion into Mr Templeton's death is drug related, that is my conclusion."