MYSTERY surrounds the death of a young father who killed himself two months after the birth of his son.

John Bailey was found dead below a bridge days after telling friends he was going home to make up with his partner following a row.

Yesterday, Gateshead Coroner Terence Carmey ruled out suicide because it was not known if the 22-year-old intended to kill himself.

The decision led Mr Bailey's partner to appeal for help to find out what happened to him during the days leading up to his death.

Amy Greenwood, 21, is bringing up their baby, Jack, now seven months.

Ms Greenwood, of Swalwell, Gateshead, said: "To do something like this was totally out of character. Something dramatic must have happened to really upset him and I want to find out what it was.

"I need to know so I can start to get on with my life."

Ms Greenwood said it was a row over babysitting that sparked the chain of events that led to the discovery of Mr Bailey's body near Swalwell Cricket Club on June 16.

Recording an open verdict, Mr Carney said he was satisfied John had killed himself but he could not rule that he had intended to kill himself.