A schizophrenic has been found dead in a pool of blood while on a trip to Blackpool with his brother's family.

Thomas McFarlane, of Danes Road, Bicester, was accompanying his brother Gary, whose stolen to the popular seaside resort on Monday.

His brother's Oxford taxi had been stolen and he was told that it had been recovered by Blackpool police.

But the trip turned to tragedy when

Mr McFarlane, 29, was found dead on Tuesday morning (August 4) in an alleyat the bottom of a fire escape at the Royal Albert Hotel, where they were staying.

Mr McFarlane had gone to bed at around 10.30pm after several drinks, and was later seen by guests buying cigarettes from a machine at the hotel.

A council roadsweeper found his body the next morning. Police said the victim, who was on medication, had fallen from some height but have ruled out foul play.

Det Insp Bill Kendrick, in charge of the inquiry, said Mr McFarlane had been suffering from a depressive illness.

No-one from the hotel would comment. The inquest was opened and adjourned yesterdayon Wednesday (Aug 5).

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