A musician who collapsed and died at his home may have been a victim of either Sudden Adult Death Syndrome or an "epileptic-type attack", an inquest has heard.

Paul Napper, 34, of Hambleside, Bicester, was found dead at his home by police after friends had reported him missing on January 28 this year.

The language teacher, who played in a church band, was found lying in his living room, clutching a tool box.

Fellow band member Michael Wilton, of Medway, Kidlington, told an inquest in Oxford yesterday that Mr Napper failed to turn up for a meeting with friends on January 26. He then missed a lunch appointment.

His friends became concerned and called at his home, but saw no signs of life and the curtains were closed. Mr Wilton said: "Paul was always reliable and this was uncharacteristic."

Friend and neighbour Joseph Worby, of Banbury Road, Kidlington, said Mr Napper had appeared well when he saw him a few days before his body was found

He said: "Paul seemed fine and very positive. He spoke of looking forward to a family holiday and the prospect of a new job in Milton Keynes."

Pc Thomas Coyne, who attended the scene, said there were no signs of any suspicious causes for the death.

Consultant pathologist Dr Godman Greywoode told the inquest it was impossible to say for sure what had killed Mr Napper.

However, there was a possibility that he died of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.

He said it was also possible Mr Napper had suffered some form of epileptic fit, although he had no history of epilepsy.

""In summary, this is an unexplained adult death," Dr Greywoode said. "But the symptoms lead to me suggest he may have died during a seizure. I regret it is not a satisfactory explanation."

Oxford Coroner Nicholas Gardiner said the evidence was sufficient to rule out foul play, and an "epileptic-type attack" seemed the most likely cause of death.

He recording a verdict that Mr Napper died of natural causes.