A MAN found dead in his fire-damaged flat in St Marychurch was a 'very heavy drinker,' an inquest has heard.

Mark Hartnell, 58, was discovered in the smoke-filled property in St Margaret's Close a week ago today.

Coroner's officer Ric Parsons told the opening hearing in Torquay yesterday that a discarded lit cigarette may have been the cause of the blaze.

He explained: "The cigarette possibly damaged a piece of furniture, giving off fumes."

A post mortem examination confirmed that Mr Hartnell, who was single and unemployed, died from smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, and alcohol intoxication.

Mr Parsons told South Devon coroner Ian Arrow that there were no suspicious circumstances.

He confirmed that the dead man had been a 'very heavy drinker'.

The body of Mr Hartnell, born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, was formally identified by his brother Simon, a sales engineer from Westbury on Trym.

A full inquest will be held later in the year.