AN inquest was opened yesterday into the death of a suspended customs officer found hanged at his home.

Amjad Bashir, 37, was found in the garage of his home in Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, on Wednesday by his wife, Frieda.

The father-of-two was one of eight customs officers, based in Leeds and London, who took part in an operation to seize a consignment of Class A drugs originating in Pakistan.

During the operation, a kilo of heroin went missing and all eight officers were suspended.

Mr Bashir, who maintained his innocence, was suspended from duty in July last year.

West Midlands Police, who are heading the investigation, announced last week that the investigation would not be completed until the end of next year.

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: "HM Customs and Excise has informed us that one of its officers, Mr Bashir, was found dead in Middlesbrough on Wednesday morning.

"Operation Brandfield is a West Midlands Police inquiry which is investigating allegations of a criminal nature. This has led to the arrest of eight Customs and Excise officers, none of whom has, to date, been charged with any offence.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time, except to extend our sympathies to the family of Mr Bashir."

Teesside Coroner's Court heard evidence of identification from Mr Bashir's brother, Anwar, 39, of Ingleby Barwick.

Coroner Michael Sheffield adjourned the proceedings, pending further inquiries.

A relative of Mr Bashir, who did not want to be named, said the family were devastated by their loss.