THE inquest into the death of a young father-of-one has opened.

Matthew Archbank was found dead in his Darlington flat on June 20.

At Crook Coroner's Court yesterday, assistant coroner, Dr Leslie Hamilton, officially opened the inquest into the 25-year-old's death.

Coroner's officer, Susan Rooney, said Mr Archbank was found by his mother while the police had investigated and confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.

Dr Hamilton added: "He had been diagnosed at the age of 22 with epilepsy and had been seen in hospital three weeks previously.

"Now I have received the post mortem report and toxicology report, we are in a position to open the inquest."

Mr Archbank - who was originally from Newton Aycliffe and an avid Sunderland football supporter - was buried in July as mourners dressed in the team's colours as a mark of respect.

A Go Fund Me appeal raised more than £3,700 in a matter of days for the funeral as his family did not have the means to fund it themselves.

His family said they believed Mr Archbank had suffered a fatal epileptic seizure.

The inquest was adjourned until October 2.