A MAN was found dead in his car in the early hours of Christmas Day having attached a hosepipe to the exhaust after arguing with his wife.

Ian Morris, aged 38, of Broomhall Cottages, Broomhall, was found by passerby Katrina Warner, at the Nimmings Wood visitor car park in Clent, Bromsgrove.

A suicide note was found on the front seat of the car by paramedics who prised open the windows because the car was locked.

An inquest at Worcestershire County Coroner's Court in Stourport-on-Severn yesterday heard that Mr Morris and his wife, Cheryl, had been having "marriage difficulties".

"Things came to a head on Christmas Eve when Cheryl was in the car with him," said Coroner Victor Round.

"There was an argument and it was difficult for her to get out of the car, so she had to jump out when the car slowed down.

Mr Morris was found at 12.30am on Christmas Day by Ms Warner, who had turned into the car park because she was having problems with her vehicle.

Mr Round said Mr Morris died from carbon monoxide poisoning due to motor vehicle fumes.

He recorded the verdict that he took his own life.

"Two hours later, she called the police to report him missing because she was worried as he had mentioned suicide in the past."