HEARTBROKEN Ian Kennedy killed himself with an electric carving knife, an inquest heard yesterday.

Mr Kennedy, an environmental health officer with Middlesbrough Borough Council, was found in his kitchen hours after a former partner refused to move back in. Julie Andrew, of Manor Street, Middlesbrough, said she lived with him for two years and they parted as friends.

The inquest heard that Mr Kenn-edy, 36, died from loss of blood from a gashed wrist at his home in Carlow Street, Middlesbrough, on January 7.

His father, Donald Kennedy, said: "Ian was a gentle and caring person and had no financial worries. His only problem was an on-off relationship."

Coroner Michael Sheffield, recording a verdict of suicide, said it seemed Mr Kennedy became dejected because he wanted Miss Andrews to go back to him.