AN inquest was held yesterday into the death of a teenage girl who took an overdose of anti-depressant pills.

However, South Durham coroner Brenda Davidson ruled that 14-year-old Chantelle Louise Cliff did not intend to kill herself.

The village of West Auckland, in County Durham, was shocked when Chantelle, who lived at River Walk, was found dead at her home in June.

At yesterday's inquest, held at Darlington Magistrates' Court, Sergeant Warren Hawes, of Bishop Auckland police, said he attended the house with two colleagues.

Police had been informed after a member of Chantelle's family discovered her body in bed.

He said: "I understand that there had been some sort of disagreement regarding Chantelle's behaviour the night before.

"That was the last time Chantelle's mother saw her alive."

Sgt Hawes said there was no noticeable forced access or injury and he called a police surgeon and scene of crime officer.

The remains of tablets were scattered around the bedroom and were down the side of Chantelle's bed.

He said police were unable to find any note from Chantelle.

Sgt Hawes added: "I was told by a member of the family that, two weeks earlier, Chantelle had tried to take her own life by means of medication."

Dr Anthony Senaghira, a pathologist based at Bishop Auckland Hospital, performed the post-mortem examination.

He said he found no evidence of natural disease.

However, the levels of anti-depressant drug Prothiaden was 2,990 microgrammes per litre of blood.

Dr Senadhira said: "This is far in excess of the recommended dose and significantly above the therapeutic level."

Ms Davidson said she could not be satisfied that Chantelle had intended to kill herself when she took the overdose.

She said: "Given that Chantelle had previously taken an overdose, it could have been a cry for help."

Ms Davidson said: "Because they died at their own hands, it's not enough to have harmed themselves to say they have committed suicide.

"I have to be satisfied that they intended to take their own life.

"I don't think there is sufficient evidence to say, beyond doubt, that she did intend to kill herself. I don't think there's enough to suggest that her intention was to bring her life to a close."

Ms Davidson recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.