A "devoted" police constable took his own life after being told he was being investigated for misconduct, an inquest has heard.

PC Doug Franks, 43, was found dead at his home in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, on February 10, 2021.

Assistant coroner Robert Simpson said the 43-year-old, who served with Sussex Police, was found by his grandfather Tony Franks - who shared the house with him.

His girlfriend, Emma Neal, a consultant nurse, said in a statement read to the hearing that PC Franks was proud to be a police officer but suffered from depression and would drink and go to the gym to help him cope.

She added that he was a loving father who "adored" his son.

The inquest was told that PC Franks was prescribed anti-depressants and had previously been sectioned after suicide attempts.

He also suffered from PTSD after witnessing a nail-bomb attack in the 1990s.

Ms Neal said that they would support each other because of their high pressure jobs and added: "Doug loved being a police officer and found it very rewarding helping those who self-harmed or attempted suicide."

Following his death, The Sun reported that PC Franks was being investigated for misconduct for breaching Covid-19 rules by meeting a colleague in a car outside work hours to complete "job-related paperwork".

The inquest was told that he had been "served papers" for misconduct on the day before he was found dead, although the hearing was not told the content of the allegation.

The hearing was told that PC Franks was "emotional" when he was informed of the disciplinary proceedings against him and questioned whether he would lose his job.

Ms Neal said PC Franks had told her that it was "nothing untoward and he needed to let it run its course".

But the inquest heard he carried out internet searches that night for methods of suicide and also "Police officer breaching Covid".

Ms Neal said he had also said told her that he needed to "bury his head in the sand and talk to the Fed (Police Federation) reps".

Ms Neal said she sent him messages on February 9 saying "he was amazing", that she missed him and "do not forget that" and he replied: "Thanks".

She added: "I am struggling to comprehend what has happened to him and he is no longer in my life."

The coroner adjourned the hearing to give his conclusion on Wednesday.

Following PC Franks' death, Sussex's chief constable Jo Shiner said: "Doug was a much-liked and well-respected colleague, who fulfilled his ambition to be a police officer when he joined Sussex Police in July 2019.

"He was proud to achieve independent patrol status and served to keep people in Sussex safe.

"A popular colleague, he was devoted to his son and his career. He joined the force after working as a financial investigator with the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit where he built strong friendships and was known for his infectious enthusiasm."

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