The body of a young mother who died after inhaling lighter fluid was discovered almost 16 days after her death.

Ann Marie Onyeneke, 28, was discovered dead in her flat in Selhurst Road, South Norwood, by letting agents after her family raised concerns.

An inquest at Croydon Coroner’s Court on Thursday March 29 heard the mother-of-one was discovered on July 16 last year with a can of lighter fluid by her side.

Evidence from the pathologist said butane or propane inhalation can cause the larynx to spasm, preventing breathing, or cause the heart to beat irregularly leading to cardiac arrest.

A magazine was open to a TV guide page dated June 30 and a newspaper in her flat was from the same date.

There was no sign of external injury and all the doors and windows were locked.

The court heard Miss Onyeneke called her mother on June 30 to arrange celebrating her birthday on July 1, but when she failed to follow this up the family became concerned.

A missing person report was filed with police on July 8, but visits to two alternative addresses Miss Onyeneke was listed under failed to find her.

Coroner Dr Roy Palmer said the evidence suggested Miss Onyeneke, who has a seven-year-old daughter, died on June 30 or the following day.

Attending court, her mother questioned the police effort in finding her daughter.

She said: "The police didn’t want to know. It was our work tracking down the letting agent. I don’t know why they didn’t help. I know she died on June 30 but I could have said goodbye properly. I didn’t get to see her face for a last time to hold her for a last time."

Dr Palmer recorded a verdict of misadventure.