Firefighter in cocaine tragedy

INQUEST OPENS INTO DAD-OF-TWO WHO DIED AFTER AFTERNOON OUT WITH COLLEAGUES

- JOSEPH TIMAN

A FIREFIGHTER died after taking cocaine at home following an afternoon drinking with colleagues, an inquest has heard.

Francois Childs, known to colleagues as Frankie, passed away aged 44 at his home in Prestwich on September 3. He served at Broughton Community Fire Station where he was based since joining Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) in 2018.

An inquest into his death, opened at Rochdale Coroners Court yesterday, heard that he body of Mr Childs, who was born in Nigeria, was formally identified by a colleague who he had known for six years.