A DAD has warned of the ‘menace and evil of drugs’ after the death of his son.

‘Loving and caring’ Michael Snape, 29, was found dead in his room at hostel Jay’s Properties in Bolton Road, Blackburn, on October 13.

Although the cause of his death was unknown, an inquest in Blackburn heard he had misused drugs for quite some time.

His father Paul Snape said: “He was a nice, loving and caring person.

“But he sadly got into drugs and misused them and had to move away to Jay’s Properties a few years ago.”

Born in Blackpool, Mr Snape grew up in Fleetwood, before moving to Blackburn.

He worked as a chef and helped people out in the hostel.

Mr Snape added: “I can’t stand drugs. They are a real menace and evil and I would warn anyone not to take them.”

The hearing heard how Mr Snape had been feeling unwell in the days leading up to his death.

A resident at the hostel had spoken to Mr Snape the day before his death.

He was found collapsed the following day.

PC James Hilton, who attended the scene, said: “The door of his flat had been open when I arrived, as one of the residents had forced entry.

“But they told us the door had been locked from the inside.

“There was various medication that was found around the room, so there was a suspicion of substance misuse.”

Dr Mark Sissons, a pathologist who carried out a post-mortem examination, said the cause of death was ‘unascertained’ due to decomposition of his body.

Assistant coroner Richard Taylor, recorded an open verdict.

Mr Taylor said: “Mr Snape was found dead on October 13 last year. Due to decomposition, a cause of death could be not be ascertained.”