An investigation has been launched after police destroyed a suicide note before they could show it to a grieving family.

Taxi driver Christopher Sherwood, 64, died at his flat in Silver Streak Way, Strood.

His inquest heard a PC disposed of a short hand-written note, which had never been shown directly to the family, without consulting senior officers.

Mid Kent and Medway coroner Patricia Harding told police: "There will have to be an investigation.

"That is a totally despicable situation. The family will need an explanation and I would like to be able to give them one..." - coroner Patricia Harding

"Effectively the officer has - maybe inadvertently, I know not - disposed of an exhibit which I am unable to see, which the family are unable to see, which the family are unable to verify was written by him and which may have an effect on the inquest.

"That is a totally despicable situation. The family will need an explanation and I would like to be able to give them one."

The inquest heard Mr Sherwood, whose sons Adam and Simon attended the hearing, would threaten to take his life, but never follow it through.

His son Adam said: "He was very obsessive about his health and the way he looked and things like that.

"When me and my brother were still at school... my mum told us our dad was convinced he had a brain tumour. He was going to hospital and having tests, but there was nothing wrong with him.

"It was only in the last 10 years that he really suffered to the extent that he did towards the end."

Mr Sherwood was found hanged last November after spending more than two hours on the phone to the Samaritans.

Police broke down the door at his sons' request after they grew worried for him. In the flat they found a laptop that had been smashed with a hammer and a note that read: "Oh God, no one has ever known how unhappy I am."

There were no photographs of the note where it was found, but a photocopy of the note was shown to the inquest.

DS Mel Moore confirmed Kent Police would investigate. He told the inquest: "Usually in this situation the officers know not to dispose of anything without checking with the DS or the DC."

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Kent Police is preparing a report for the coroner on this matter and is holding an internal investigation. As such it would be inappropriate to comment further."

The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 08457 909090.