Professional boxer Lewis Pinto sent his girlfriend, Natalie Lomas, a picture of a noose around his neck before taking his own life, an inquest has heard.

The 24-year-old was found hanging from a tree in June in Roundshaw Park in Wallington, Croydon after initially misleading his girlfriend by sending her a message claiming that he was heading to Beddington Park to kill himself.

Coroner Dr Roy Palmer told the inquest: "Lewis was speaking to Miss Lomas between 3am and 3.30am on the phone and through text messages.

"He sent her a picture of himself with a blue noose around his neck. Another of his texts said he was driving to Beddington Park."

Pinto was unbeaten since turning professional.