A body was found inside a campervan which had been parked in a layby for a week, an inquest heard.
Concerns were raised and PC Hannah Kenny went to the scene at a beauty spot in the Staffordshire Moorlands.
She was forced to smash a window to gain entry to the campervan and discovered the body of Matthew Britland inside.
She told an inquest the 41 year old had been dead “for some time” when she found him on Monday, January 8.
He had not been seen for a week but had not been reported missing, StokeonTrentLive reports.
Pc Kenny added: “We were alerted there were concerns for a white Mercedes camper van that had been parked in a lay-by on the A53, near The Winking Man, for about a week.
“The van was locked and registered to the address of Sandra Britland, Matthew’s mother.
“I banged on the exterior but there was no answer and the doors were locked. The windows were tinted and there were curtains or blankets blocking the view on the inside.
“Under Section 17, I decided to use forced entry and smashed one of the windows of the van.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Van Life Matters newsletter or download the Van Life Matters App to stay up-to-date with the latest UK Van Life news, tips and advice.“Being careful not to injure myself on the glass, I pulled myself through the window and climbed into the van.
“Matthew Britland was clearly deceased.
“There was no CPR administered or an attempt to revive his life because it was obvious he had been there for some time.
“He had never been reported missing and his family members said they had seen him about one week before he was found.”
The inquest heard Mr Britland was found hanged inside the vehicle and a verdict of suicide was delivered.
North Staffordshire assistant coroner Daniel Howe said: “It was a deliberate act to end his life.”
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